Vehicle interior component

ABSTRACT

A trim panel for a vehicle interior to provide a user interface for an occupant is disclosed. The trim panel may comprise a composite structure comprising a light-transmissive cover, a light panel/display, a functional layer and a positioning layer. The user interface may facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant so that operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant comprises output from illumination from the light panel through the functional layer and through the cover to an exterior surface of the cover. The positioning layer may comprise a deformable spacer. The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer under the cover. The trim panel may comprise a sensor to detect input from the occupant at or adjacent to the cover. The composite structure may comprise a cover segment comprising a fabric and/or leather and a cover segment comprising a plastic or film.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/736,359, titled “Vehicle Interior Component” filed on Jan.7, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/236,191 titled “Vehicle Interior Component” filed on Dec. 28,2018 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,061,475), which is a continuation ofPCT/International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/041523 titled“Vehicle Interior Component” filed on Jul. 11, 2017, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/360,960 titled“Vehicle Interior Component” filed on Jul. 11, 2016.

The present invention claims priority to and incorporates by referencein full the following patent applications: (1) U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/360,960 titled “Vehicle Interior Component” filed onJul. 11, 2016; (2) PCT/International Patent Application No.PCT/US2017/041523 titled “Vehicle Interior Component” filed on Jul. 11,2017; (3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/236,191 titled “VehicleInterior Component” filed on Dec. 28, 2018 (now U.S. Pat. No.11,061,475); (4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/736,359, titled“Vehicle Interior Component” filed on Jan. 7, 2020.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component. Thepresent invention also relates to a vehicle interior component providinga composite structure. The present invention further relates to avehicle interior component providing a composite structure providing auser interface system.

BACKGROUND

Conventional automotive interiors may include numerous switches,buttons, dials, and other physical control elements for receiving inputsfrom an occupant. Control elements are coupled to corresponding featuresand systems including entertainment systems, information systems,climate controls, door locks, window regulator/controls, seat positionadjusters, cruise control, mirror position adjusters, headlights,steering wheel adjusters, and etc.

It is well-known to provide a touch panel in a vehicle interior havingbuttons/icons that can be pressed to perform a function such asadjusting a seat or window position. It is known to provide such a panelwith buttons/icons that are illuminated at all times, or only whenselectively illuminated. It is known to provide such a panel with a hardsurface that is separate from the soft (e.g. fabric/leather/etc.)surfaces of vehicle interior components.

It would be advantageous to provide an aesthetically pleasing andintegrated composite structure including a cover/exterior surface andconfigured to provide a user interface with sensor and display for avehicle interior component. It would also be advantageous to provide anintegrated composite structure configured to provide a user interface inor on a vehicle interior component in a manner to provide an appearanceand feel provided by the cover/exterior surface and compliant/resilientlayers beneath the cover. It would further be advantageous to provide animproved system and method of operating the user interface for thecomposite structure of the vehicle interior component. It would furtherbe advantageous to provide an improved composite structure including acover/exterior surface and configured to provide a user interface in oron a vehicle interior component providing features suitable for avehicle interior such as system integration, decorative appearance,color/texture, softness/firmness, feel/touch/haptic sensation,resistance to dirt/stains, repellence to water/fluids, convenient tomaintain/clean, etc.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a trim panel for a vehicle interiorconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising a composite structureconfigured to provide the user interface comprising (a) a coverproviding an exterior surface, (b) a light panel, (c) a functional layerand (d) a positioning layer separate from the functional layer. Thecover may comprise a light-transmissive layer. The light panel may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer may beconfigured for at least one of (a) optical enhancement, (b) electricalcharging for a device, (c) interaction with a mobile device, (d)interaction with a vehicle system, (e) interaction with the vehicleoccupant, (f) monitoring, (g) alerting, (h) messaging, (i) lightguiding. The user interface may be configured to facilitate interactionwith the vehicle occupant so that operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant comprises output from illumination from the lightpanel through the functional layer and through the light-transmissivelayer of the cover to the exterior surface of the cover. The positioninglayer may comprise a deformable spacer. The positioning layer maycomprise a foam layer under the cover. The functional layer may comprisea light diffuser. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile,(b) fabric, (c) fiber mesh, (d) leather, (e) grain surface, (f)synthetic fiber fabric, (g) natural fibers, (h) artificial leather, (i)polyester, (j) synthetic fibers, (k) fabric sheet, (l) upholsteredmaterial, (m) a fleece material, (n) a woven material, (o) a non-wovenmaterial, (p) a sheet material, (q) a perforated material, (r) acomposite of multiple fiber materials, (s) a translucent material, (t) aresilient material, (u) a leather material configured to facilitate thetransmission of visible light, (v) a material that is partiallytransparent and partially opaque, (w) a layer configured to facilitatetransmission of visible light, (x) a surface material perforated toimprove the visibility of light from a display. The cover may compriseat least one of (a) film, (b) resin, (c) polycarbonate, (d)polyurethane, (e) polyvinyl material, (f) TPO, (g) a plastic material,(h) a plastic film, (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials, (j) acomposite of multiple materials, (k) a composite of fiber material, (l)natural material, (m) metal, (n) a perforated material, (o) atranslucent layer. The trim panel may comprise a sensor configured todetect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exteriorsurface of the cover. The sensor may comprise at least one of (a) anarray, (b) a grid, (c) a foil, (d) a panel, (e) a touch panel, (f) aflexible panel, (g) a detector, (h) a proximity detector, (i) acapacitive touch panel, (j) a pressure sensitive panel, (k) a camera.The light panel may comprise at least one of (a) an array, (b) a grid,(c) a panel, (d) a display screen, (e) a flexible panel, (f) a lightingarray, (g) a lighting device array, (h) a light-emitting device array,(i) an LED array, (j) a flexible LED array, (k) an OLED array, (l) aflexible LED matrix, (m) a flexible sheet, (n) a display. The compositestructure may comprise a first cover segment and a second cover segment;the first cover segment may comprise a fabric and the second coversegment may comprise a plastic.

The present invention relates to a trim panel for a vehicle interiorconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising a composite structure configured to provide the userinterface comprising a cover providing an exterior surface, a lightpanel, and a functional layer. The cover may comprise alight-transmissive layer. The light panel may be configured to provideillumination at least partially visible through the exterior surface ofthe cover. The functional layer may be configured for at least one of(a) positioning, (b) spacing, (c) cushioning, (d) tactile shear/feelperformance, (e) diffusion of illumination from the light panel. Theuser interface may be configured to facilitate interaction with thevehicle occupant so that operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant comprises output from illumination from the light panel throughthe functional layer and through the light-transmissive layer of thecover to the exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer maycomprise a first functional layer and a second functional layer; thefirst functional layer may comprise a functional layer configured fordiffusion of illumination from the light panel and the second functionallayer may comprise a positioning layer. The trim panel may comprise apositioning layer comprising at least one of (a) a spacer, (b) aflexible spacer, (c) a spacer fabric, (d) a fabric material, (e) a foammaterial, (f) a plastic material, (g) a woven material, (h) fabric, (i)polyurethane, (j) a spacer material, (k) a deformable spacer, (l) adeformable spacer material, (m) a material configured to provide hapticfeedback.

The present invention relates to a trim panel for a vehicle interiorconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising a composite structure configured to provide the userinterface comprising (a) a cover providing an exterior surface, (b) alight panel, (c) a functional layer and (d) a positioning layer. Thecover may comprise a light-transmissive layer. The cover may comprise atleast one of (a) textile, (b) fabric, (c) leather, (d) artificialleather, (e) a woven material, (f) a non-woven material. The light panelmay be configured to provide illumination at least partially visiblethrough the exterior surface of the cover. The user interface may beconfigured to facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant so thatoperation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant comprisesoutput from illumination from the light panel through the functionallayer and through the light-transmissive layer of the cover to theexterior surface of the cover. The cover may comprise at least one of(a) a translucent material, (b) a material that is partiallylight-transmissive and partially opaque, (c) a layer configured tofacilitate transmission of visible light, (d) a perforated material. Thepositioning layer may comprise a foam layer under the cover. Thepositioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer, (b) aflexible spacer, (c) a spacer fabric, (d) a fabric material, (e) a foammaterial, (f) a plastic material, (g) a woven material, (h) fabric, (i)polyurethane, (j) a spacer material, (k) a deformable spacer, (l) adeformable spacer material. The trim panel may comprise a sensor so thatoperation of the user interface comprises input from the vehicleoccupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover. Thefunctional layer may be configured for at least one of (a) positioning,(b) spacing, (c) haptic feedback, (d) tactile feedback such asvibration, (e) audible feedback such as sound, (f) optical enhancement,(g) light shielding, (h) electrical shielding, (i) interferenceshielding, (j) electrical charging for a device, (k) interaction with amobile device, (l) interaction with a vehicle system, (m) cushioning,(n) adhesion or bonding, (o) tactile shear/feel performance, (p) thermalmanagement, (q) heating, (r) cooling, (s) providing Peltier effect, (t)diffusion of illumination from the light panel, (u) monitoring, (v)recording, (w) alerting, (x) messaging, (y) light guiding, (z)flexibility.

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component configuredto provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehiclecomprising vehicle systems comprising a composite structure configuredto provide the user interface; the composite structure may comprise acover providing an exterior surface and a sensor and a light panel and apositioning layer; the cover may comprise a layer configured tofacilitate the transmission of light from the light panel; the sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the light panel may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the light panel and (b) input detected by the sensor.

The positioning layer may be configured to retain positioning within thecomposite structure for operation of the sensor from input from thevehicle occupant. The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer underthe cover. The positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) aspacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a foam material;(e) a plastic material; (f) fabric; (g) polyurethane; (h) a wovenmaterial; (i) a spacer material; (j) a fabric material; (k) a fibermaterial; (l) a space. The composite structure may comprise: (a) thecover; (b) a functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) the positioninglayer; (e) the light panel. The functional layer may comprise adiffuser. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b)fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) syntheticfiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester;(j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) afleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) asheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of multiplefiber materials; (s) a translucent material; (t) a resilient material;(u) a leather material configured to facilitate the transmission oflight; (v) a material that is partially transparent and partiallyopaque; (w) a layer configured to facilitate transmission of visiblelight; (x) a surface material perforated to improve the visibility oflight from the display. The cover may comprise a light-transmissivecover comprising at least one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate;(d) polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material; (f) TPO; (g) a poly material;(h) a poly film; (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (j) acomposite of multiple materials; (k) a composite of fiber material; (l)natural material; (m) metal; (n) a perforated material; (o) atranslucent layer. The functional layer may be configured for at leastone of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d) tactilefeedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound; (f)optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i)interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for a device; (k)interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system;(m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feelperformance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s)providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from thedisplay; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y)light guiding; (z) flexibility. The sensor may comprise at least one of(a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel;(f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) acapacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel; (k) a camera.The light panel may comprise a at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid;(c) a panel; (d) a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lightingarray; (g) a lighting device array; (h) a light-emitting device array;(i) an LED array; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLED array; (l) aflexible LED matrix; (m) a flexible sheet; (n) a display.

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component configuredto provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehiclecomprising vehicle systems comprising a composite structure configuredto provide the user interface. The composite structure may comprise acover providing an exterior surface and a light panel and a functionallayer; the cover may comprise a light-transmissive layer; the lightpanel may be configured to provide illumination at least partiallyvisible through the exterior surface of the cover; the functional layermay be configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audiblefeedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding;(h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electricalcharging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion orbonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion ofillumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w)alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility. Thefunctional layer may comprise a first functional layer and a secondfunctional layer; the first functional layer may comprise a functionallayer configured for diffusion of illumination from the display and thesecond functional layer may comprise a positioning layer; thepositioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) aflexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foammaterial; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a fibermaterial; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer material. Thecomposite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the firstfunctional layer; (c) the positioning layer; (d) the light panel. Thecomposite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the firstfunctional layer; (c) a sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e) the lightpanel comprising a display.

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component configuredto provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehiclecomprising vehicle systems comprising a composite structure configuredto provide the user interface. The composite structure may comprise acover providing an exterior surface and a positioning layer and a sensorand a light panel and a functional layer; the cover may comprise alight-transmissive layer;

The sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupantat or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the light panel maybe configured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the light panel and (b) input detected by the sensor.The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer under the cover. Thecover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fibermesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g)natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) syntheticfibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleecematerial; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheetmaterial; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fibermaterials; (s) a translucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) aleather material configured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v)a material that is partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) alayer configured to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) asurface material perforated to improve the visibility of light from thedisplay; (y) film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane;(cc) polyvinyl material; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a polyfilm; (gg) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (ii) a compositeof multiple materials; (jj) a composite of fiber material; (kk) naturalmaterial; (ll) metal; (mm) a perforated material; (nn) a translucentlayer. The positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer;(b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) afoam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a fibermaterial; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer material; (l) aspace. The sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicleoccupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from atleast one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e)gesture; (f) positioning; the sensor may comprise at least one of (a) anarray; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) aflexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) acapacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel; (k) a camera;the sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupantat or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; and operation ofthe user interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of(a) output from illumination from the display and (b) input detected bythe sensor.

The present invention relates to a method of operating a vehicleinterior component comprising a composite structure comprising a coverwith an exterior surface and at least one functional layer and providinga sensor and a display configured to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant in a vehicle with vehicle systems comprising the stepsof: pressing the cover toward the sensor to a distance where input canbe detected by the sensor and contacting the exterior surface within adistance where input can be detected by the sensor; the cover maycomprise a light-transmissive layer configured to facilitate thetransmission of light; the sensor may be configured to detect input fromthe vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the coverfrom at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d)movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning; the display may be configured toprovide illumination at least partially visible through the exteriorsurface of the cover; operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination fromthe display and (b) input detected by the sensor. The functional layermay comprise a first functional layer configured for diffusion ofillumination from the display and a second functional layer configuredas a positioning layer comprising at least one of (a) a foam materialand (b) a fabric material. The composite structure may comprise (a) thecover comprising the light-transmissive layer; (b) the first functionallayer configured for diffusion of illumination from the display; (c) thesensor; (d) the second functional layer; (e) the display configured toprovide illumination at least partially visible through the exteriorsurface of the cover; (f) a substrate. The step of pressing the covertoward the sensor may comprise compressing the cover toward the sensorto a first threshold distance where input can be detected by the sensorto actuate the user interface; and the step of contacting the exteriorsurface may comprise contact within a second threshold distance whereinput can be detected by the sensor to operate and/or to position theuser interface. The step of contacting the exterior surface within thesecond threshold distance does not require deformation of the compositestructure. The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprisedeforming the composite structure at least partially. The method mayfurther comprise the step of (c) movement at or adjacent the exteriorsurface detected as input by the sensor.

The display may be configured to display at least one of (a) data; (b)information; (c) vehicle system information; (d) an input panel; (e) amenu system; (f) an output panel; (g) an image; (h) lighting. Thepositioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) aflexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foammaterial; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a fibermaterial; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer material. The covermay comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh;(d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) naturalfibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) awoven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) atranslucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather materialconfigured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a material thatis partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured tofacilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface materialperforated to improve the visibility of light from the display; (y)film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc) polyvinylmaterial; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly film; (gg) acomposite of multiple plastic materials; (ii) a composite of multiplematerials; (jj) a composite of fiber material; (kk) natural material;(ll) metal; (mm) a perforated material; (nn) a translucent layer.

The user interface may be configured so that input from the vehicleoccupant at the exterior surface of the cover is detected by the sensor.The user interface may be configured so that output from the display ispresented at least partially through the exterior surface of the cover.The composite structure may be configured in a contoured shape. Thecomposite structure may comprise a substrate. The composite structuremay be configured to be coupled to at least one of (a) a trim component;(b) a panel; (c) a door panel; (d) an instrument panel; (e) a surface;(f) a console; (g) a base. The control system may be configured toconnect to vehicle systems; the control system may be configured tofacilitate operation by the vehicle occupant for at least one of (a)sending a signal to a control module, (b) controlling a motor, (c)providing a signal to a vehicle component, (d) providing electricalpower to a vehicle component, (e) providing at least one of (1) visiblefeedback, (2) audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) hapticfeedback to the vehicle occupant. The user interface may be configuredfor interaction with a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch atthe exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b) gestureadjacent to the exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor.The composite structure may comprise a composite surface; and the covermay comprise an at least partially translucent cover; illumination fromthe display at the exterior surface of the composite structure maycomprise visible light transmitted through the functional layer andthrough the at least partially translucent cover. The compositestructure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the functional layer; (c) thesensor; (d) a positioning layer; (e) the display; (f) a substrate; thefunctional layer may comprise a diffuser and the positioning layer maycomprise at least one of (a) a foam material; (b) a spacer fabric. Thecomposite structure may comprise a foam layer under the cover.

The user interface may comprise a display element from illumination fromthe display that is configured to be selectively positioned on theexterior surface of the cover; and the display element of the userinterface may comprise at least one of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) abutton indicator; (d) a menu system; (e) a display panel image; (f) aninformation display image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a controlpanel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionableimage; (l) a projected image; (m) an image element selectivelypositionable on the exterior surface of the cover by interaction withthe vehicle occupant. The display element of the user interface may beconfigured to be positioned on the exterior surface of the cover (a)contacting of the exterior surface of the cover at a position where thedisplay element is to be displayed when the display element is notdisplayed; (b) contacting the exterior surface of the cover where thedisplay element is displayed and dragging the display element along theexterior surface of the cover to a position where the display element isto be displayed. The user interface may be configured (a) to beactivated for operation by compressing the cover toward the sensor and(b) to be operated by contacting the exterior surface within a distancewhere input can be detected by the sensor and (c) to be operated bymovement directed by the vehicle occupant above the exterior surface ofthe cover within a distance where input can be detected by the sensor.

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component configuredto provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehiclecomprising vehicle systems comprising a composite structure configuredto provide the user interface. The composite structure may a coverproviding an exterior surface, a sensor, a display, a functional layerand a positioning layer. The cover may comprise a layer configured tofacilitate the transmission of light. The sensor may be configured todetect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exteriorsurface of the cover. The display may be configured to provideillumination at least partially visible through the exterior surface ofthe cover; operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant maycomprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the displayand (b) input detected by the sensor.

The composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the functionallayer; (c) the sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e) the display; (f) asubstrate. The functional layer may comprise a diffuser and thepositioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a foam materialand/or (b) a spacer fabric. The cover may comprise at least one of (a)textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f)synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i)polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholsteredmaterial; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-wovenmaterial; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) acomposite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material; (t) aresilient material; (u) a leather material configured to facilitate thetransmission of light; (v) a material that may comprise partiallytransparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured to facilitatetransmission of visible light; (x) a surface material perforated toimprove the visibility of light from the display. The cover may comprisea light-transmissive cover comprising at least one of (a) film; (b)resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material; (f)TPO; (g) a poly material; (h) a poly film; (i) a composite of multipleplastic materials; (j) a composite of multiple materials; (k) acomposite of fiber material; (l) natural material; (m) metal; (n) aperforated material; (o) a translucent layer. The functional layer maybe configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audiblefeedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding;(h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electricalcharging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion orbonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion ofillumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w)alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility. Thepositioning layer may be configured to retain positioning within thecomposite structure for operation of the sensor from input from thevehicle occupant; the positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a)a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a foammaterial; (e) a plastic material; (f) fabric; (g) polyurethane; (h) awoven material; (i) a spacer material; (j) a fabric material; (k) afiber material.

The user interface may be configured so that input from the vehicleoccupant at the exterior surface of the cover may be detected by thesensor. The user interface may be configured so that output from thedisplay may be presented at least partially through the exterior surfaceof the cover.

The composite structure may be configured in a contoured shape. Thecomposite structure may comprise a substrate. The composite structuremay be configured to be coupled to at least one of (a) a trim component;(b) a panel; (c) a door panel; (d) an instrument panel; (e) a surface;(f) a console; (g) a base. A control system may be configured to connectto vehicle systems; the control system may be configured to facilitateoperation by the vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending asignal to a control module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing asignal to a vehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to avehicle component, (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback,(2) audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to thevehicle occupant. The user interface may be configured for interactionwith a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at the exteriorsurface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent tothe exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor. The sensor maycomprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) apanel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) aproximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressuresensitive panel. The display may comprise at least one of (a) an array;(b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f)a lighting array; (g) a lighting device array; (h) a light-emittingdevice array; (i) an LED array; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLEDarray; (l) a flexible LED matrix; (m) a flexible sheet. The compositestructure may comprise a composite surface; and the cover may comprisean at least partially translucent cover; illumination from the displayat the exterior surface of the composite structure may comprise visiblelight transmitted through the functional layer and through the at leastpartially translucent cover.

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component configuredto provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehiclecomprising vehicle systems. The vehicle interior component may comprisea composite structure configured to provide the user interfacecomprising a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, a displayand a functional layer. The cover may comprise a light-transmissivelayer. The sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicleoccupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover. Thedisplay may be configured to provide illumination at least partiallyvisible through the exterior surface of the cover. The functional layermay be configured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audiblefeedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding;(h) electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electricalcharging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion orbonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion ofillumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w)alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility. The sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a)touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture; (f)positioning. Operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupantmay comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from thedisplay and (b) input detected by the sensor. The functional layer maycomprise a first functional layer and a second functional layer; thefirst functional layer may comprise a functional layer configured fordiffusion of illumination from the display and the second functionallayer may comprise a positioning layer. The positioning layer maycomprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) aspacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam material; (f) a plasticmaterial; (g) a woven material; (h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j)polyurethane; (k) a spacer material. The composite structure maycomprise: (a) the cover; (b) the functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) apositioning layer; (e) the display; (f) a substrate; the functionallayer may comprise a diffuser and the positioning layer may comprise atleast one of (a) a foam material; (b) a spacer fabric. The compositestructure may comprise a foam layer under the cover. The user interfacemay comprise a display element from illumination from the display thatmay be configured to be selectively positioned on the exterior surfaceof the cover; and the display element of the user interface may compriseat least one of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) amenu system; (e) a display panel image; (f) an information displayimage; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a control panel; (i) an inputpanel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a projectedimage; (m) an image element selectively positionable on the exteriorsurface of the cover by interaction with the vehicle occupant. Thedisplay element of the user interface may be configured to be positionedon the exterior surface of the cover (a) contacting of the exteriorsurface of the cover at a position where the display element may bedisplayed when the display element may comprise not displayed; (b)contacting the exterior surface of the cover where the display elementmay be displayed and dragging the display element along the exteriorsurface of the cover to a position where the display element may bedisplayed. The user interface may be configured (a) to be activated foroperation by compressing the cover toward the sensor and (b) to beoperated by contacting the exterior surface within a distance whereinput can be detected by the sensor and (c) to be operated by movementdirected by the vehicle occupant above the exterior surface of the coverwithin a distance where input can be detected by the sensor. The covermay comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh;(d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) naturalfibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) awoven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) atranslucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather materialconfigured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a material thatmay comprise partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layerconfigured to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surfacematerial perforated to improve the visibility of light from the display;(y) film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc)polyvinyl material; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly film;(gg) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (ii) a composite ofmultiple materials; (jj) a composite of fiber material; (kk) naturalmaterial; (ll) metal; (mm) a perforated material; (nn) a translucentlayer.

The present invention relates to a method of operating a vehicleinterior component comprising a composite structure comprising a coverwith an exterior surface and at least one functional layer and providinga sensor and a display configured to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant in a vehicle with vehicle systems. The method maycomprise the steps of pressing the cover toward the sensor to a distancewhere input can be detected by the sensor; and contacting the exteriorsurface within a distance where input can be detected by the sensor. Thecover may comprise a light-transmissive layer configured to facilitatethe transmission of light. The sensor may be configured to detect inputfrom the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of thecover from at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d)movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning. The display may be configured toprovide illumination at least partially visible through the exteriorsurface of the cover. Operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination fromthe display and (b) input detected by the sensor. The functional layermay comprise a first functional layer configured for diffusion ofillumination from the display and a second functional layer configuredas a positioning layer comprising at least one of (a) a foam materialand (b) a fabric material. The composite structure may comprise (a) thecover comprising the light-transmissive layer; (b) the first functionallayer configured for diffusion of illumination from the display; (c) thesensor; (d) the second functional layer; (e) the display configured toprovide illumination at least partially visible through the exteriorsurface of the cover; (f) a substrate. The step of pressing the covertoward the sensor may comprise compressing the cover toward the sensorto a first threshold distance where input can be detected by the sensorto actuate the user interface; the step of contacting the exteriorsurface may comprise contact within a second threshold distance whereinput can be detected by the sensor to operate and/or to position theuser interface. The step of contacting the exterior surface within thesecond threshold distance may not require deformation of the compositestructure. The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprisedeforming the composite structure at least partially. The method maycomprise the step of (c) movement at or adjacent the exterior surfacedetected as input by the sensor. The display may be configured todisplay at least one of (a) data; (b) information; (c) vehicle systeminformation; (d) an input panel; (e) a menu system; (f) an output panel;(g) an image; (h) lighting. The positioning layer may comprise at leastone of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) afabric material; (e) a foam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) awoven material; (h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k)a spacer material. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile;(b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f)synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i)polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholsteredmaterial; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-wovenmaterial; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) acomposite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material; (t) aresilient material; (u) a leather material configured to facilitate thetransmission of light; (v) a material that may comprise partiallytransparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured to facilitatetransmission of visible light; (x) a surface material perforated toimprove the visibility of light from the display; (y) film; (z) resin;(aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc) polyvinyl material; (dd)TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly film; (gg) a composite ofmultiple plastic materials; (ii) a composite of multiple materials; (jj)a composite of fiber material; (kk) natural material; (ll) metal; (mm) aperforated material; (nn) a translucent layer.

The present invention relates to a vehicle interior component configuredto provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehiclecomprising vehicle systems. The component may comprise a compositestructure configured to provide the user interface comprising (a) acover providing an exterior surface; (b) a sensor; (c) a display; (d) afunctional layer. The cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover. Operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor. Thecover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fibermesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g)natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) syntheticfibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleecematerial; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheetmaterial; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fibermaterials. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) film; (b) resin;(c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material; (f) acomposite of multiple plastic materials; (g) a composite of multiplematerials. The functional layer may be configured for at least one of(a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedbacksuch as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound; (f) opticalenhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i)interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for a device; (k)interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system;(m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feelperformance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s)Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u)monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging.

The functional layer may comprise a positioning layer configured toretain positioning within the composite structure for operation of thesensor from input from the vehicle occupant. The positioning layer maycomprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) ashield for electromagnetic interference; (d) a foam material; (e) aplastic material. The composite structure may comprise a foam layerunder the cover. The functional layer may be at least partiallyintegrated with at least one of (a) the cover; (b) the positioninglayer; (c) a substrate of the composite structure. The user interfacemay be configured so that input from the vehicle occupant at theexterior surface of the cover is detected by the sensor. Input from thevehicle occupant may comprise contact with the exterior surface of thecover. The composite structure may be configured in a contoured shape.The composite structure may comprise a substrate; the compositestructure may be coupled to at least one of (a) a trim component; (b) apanel; (c) a door; (d) a surface; (e) a console; (f) a base. A controlsystem for the user interface may be configured to connect to vehiclesystems. The control system may be configured to facilitate operation bythe vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending a signal to acontrol module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to avehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to a vehiclecomponent, (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback, (2)audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to thevehicle occupant. The user interface may comprise a control panelpresented at the exterior surface of the cover. The controller for thecomposite structure may be connected to the user interface. The vehiclesystems comprise at least one vehicle system; a vehicle system maycomprise at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climatecontrol system, (d) an entertainment system, (e) a security system, (f)an engine control unit, (g) a data storage system, (h) a database, (i) amotor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a window regulator/control; (l) anetwork; (m) a data storage system; (n) a database. The cover maycomprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d)leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) naturalfibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) awoven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials. Thesensor may comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) afoil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) adetector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) apressure sensitive panel. The display may comprise at least one of (a)an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen; (e) a flexiblepanel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a lighting device array; (h) alight-emitting device array; (i) a LED array; (j) a flexible LED array;(k) a flexible sheet.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior componentconfigured for interaction with an occupant of a vehicle comprisingvehicle systems comprising a composite structure configured to provide auser interface for interaction with the occupant. The compositestructure may comprise a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor,a display and a functional layer; the cover may comprise a translucentlayer; the sensor may be configured to detect input from the occupant ator adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user interface forthe occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illuminationfrom the display and (b) input detected by the sensor; the userinterface may comprise a display element from illumination from thedisplay that may be configured to be selectively positioned on theexterior surface of the cover. The display element of the user interfacemay comprise at least one of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a buttonindicator; (d) a menu system; (e) a display panel image; (f) aninformation display image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a controlpanel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionableimage; (l) a projected image. The display element of the user interfacemay be configured to be positioned on the exterior surface of the coverby at least one of (a) when the display element is not displayed bycontacting of the exterior surface of the cover at a position where thedisplay element is to be displayed; (b) when the display element isdisplayed by contacting the exterior surface of the cover where thedisplay element is displayed and dragging the display element along theexterior surface of the cover to a position where the display element isto be displayed.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior componentconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface with acover providing an exterior surface, a sensor; a display; and afunctional layer. The cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor; theuser interface may be configured (a) to be activated for operation bycompressing the cover toward the sensor and (b) to be operated bycontacting the exterior surface within a distance where input can bedetected by the sensor. The user interface may be configured (c) to beoperated by movement directed by the vehicle occupant above the exteriorsurface of the cover within a distance where input can be detected bythe sensor. The user interface may be configured for interaction with avehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at the exterior surface ofthe cover detected by the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent to the exteriorsurface of the cover detected by the sensor. The user interface may beconfigured for (a) a sleep mode and awakening from the sleep mode bycompressing the cover toward the sensor by a first threshold distanceand (b) for an awake mode providing a control panel and operating thecontrol panel by touching the exterior surface of the cover within asecond threshold distance from the sensor. The user interface maycomprise the display element on the exterior surface of the cover; adisplay element of the user interface may comprise at least one of (a)an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a button indicator; (d) a menu system; (e) adisplay panel image; (f) an information display image; (g) a graphicsdisplay image; (h) a control panel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touchscreen; (k) a repositionable image; (l) a projected image. The designelement of the user interface may be configured to be selectivelypositionable on the exterior surface of the cover by interaction withthe vehicle occupant.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior componentconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface with acover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, a display and afunctional layer. The cover may comprise a translucent layer; the covermay comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh;(d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) naturalfibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) awoven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials. Thesensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover. Operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior componentconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface with acover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, a display and afunctional layer. The cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover. The functional layer may beconfigured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) hapticfeedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedbacksuch as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h)electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electricalcharging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion orbonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)heating; (r) cooling; (s) Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illuminationfrom the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x)messaging. Operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant maycomprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the displayand (b) input detected by the sensor.

The present invention further relates to a method of operating a vehicleinterior component comprising a composite structure to provide a coverwith an exterior surface and a sensor and a display configured toprovide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle withvehicle systems. The method may comprise the steps of (a) pressing thecover toward the sensor to a distance where input can be detected by thesensor; and (b) contacting the exterior surface within a distance whereinput can be detected by the sensor. The cover may comprise atranslucent layer; the sensor may be configured to detect input from thevehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the coverfrom at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d)movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning. The display may be configured toprovide illumination at least partially visible through the exteriorsurface of the cover; operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination fromthe display and (b) input detected by the sensor. The step of pressingthe cover toward the sensor may comprise compressing the cover towardthe sensor to a first threshold distance where input can be detected bythe sensor to actuate the user interface. The step of contacting theexterior surface may comprise contact within a second threshold distancewhere input can be detected by the sensor to operate and/or to positionthe user interface. The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor maycomprise deforming the composite structure at least partially. Themethod may further comprise the step of (c) movement at or adjacent theexterior surface detected as input by the sensor. The step of contactingthe exterior surface within a second threshold distance may not requiredeformation of the composite structure.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior componentconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface with acover providing an exterior surface and a sensor and a functional layer.The cover may comprise a translucent layer. The cover may comprise atleast one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e)grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h)artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabricsheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a wovenmaterial; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials. Thesensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a)touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture; (f)positioning; operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupantmay comprise input detected by the sensor.

The present invention further relates to a vehicle interior componentconfigured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface with acover providing an exterior surface and a display and a functionallayer. The cover may comprise a translucent layer. The cover maycomprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d)leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) naturalfibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) awoven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials. Thedisplay may be configured to provide illumination at least partiallyvisible through the functional layer and through the exterior surface ofthe cover; interaction with the user interface for the vehicle occupantmay comprise visible output from illumination from the display.

The present invention further relates to a user interface system for avehicle interior. The system may comprise a cover with exterior/contactsurface, a sensor such as a capacitive touch panel/foil covered by thecover/contact surface, a spacer coupled to the sensor and a display suchas an LED/OLED display panel/foil covered by the spacer and configuredto emit light. The spacer, the sensor and the cover/contact surface maybe configured to be translucent to allow light emitted by the display topass through the contact surface. The contact surface may comprise atextile; the spacer may comprise a foam material. The display maycomprise at least one light emitting diode; the display may comprise aflexible material comprising an array of light emitting diodes (e.g.LED, OLED, etc.). The display may be configured to selectively emitlight in response to a signal from the capacitive touch panel; thecapacitive touch panel may be configured to receive a touch input andtransmit a signal; the sensor such as a capacitive touch panel may beconfigured for decreased electrical resistance as pressure is applied tothe panel. The system may comprise a controller configured for operationby a vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending a signal to acontrol module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to avehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to a vehicle componentand (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback, (2) audiblefeedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to the vehicleoccupant. The controller may be configured to send a control signal toat least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climate controlmodule, (d) an entertainment control module, (e) a security controlmodule, (f) an engine control unit, (g) a data store, (h) a database,(i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a window regulator/control.

FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective cut-away view of the vehicle showinga vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective cut-away view of the vehicle showinga vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle interior componentshown as a console with a composite structure of a layer construction inoperation to present display elements at the user interface according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2C is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle interior componentshown as a door panel with a composite structure in operation to presentdesign elements at the user interface according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 3A to 3T are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a console with a composite structure providing a userinterface according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4C are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a console with the composite structure presenting auser interface system configured as a control panel for a window of avehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 4B and 4D are schematic side views of a door with window operatedby the control panel of the user interface system according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4E is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle interior componentshown as a console with the composite structure presenting a userinterface system configured as a control panel for a heating,ventilating, and air conditioning system of the vehicle according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4F is a schematic front view of a display element for the heating,ventilating, and air conditioning system of the vehicle according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5A, 5C and 5E are schematic perspective views of a vehicleinterior component shown as a console with the composite structurepresenting a user interface system configured as a control panel toadjust a seat in the vehicle interior to various positions according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 5B, 5D and 5F are schematic side views of the seat of the vehicleinterior in various positions according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 6A, 6C and 6E are schematic perspective views of a vehicleinterior component shown as a console with the composite structurepresenting a user interface system configured as a control panel forinteraction with vehicle systems according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 6B, 6D and 6F are schematic front views of display elements forvehicle systems according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A to 7F are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a door panel with the composite structure presentinga user interface providing control/interaction and output of lightingeffects/levels for the vehicle interior according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are schematic perspective views of the vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a door panel with the composite structure presentinga user interface providing control/interaction and output of lightingeffects/levels and information display for the vehicle interioraccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8E is a schematic view of display elements providing information atthe user interface of the composite structure of the vehicle interiorcomponent according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 9A to 9E are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a door panel with the composite structure presentinga user interface providing for activation and use and deactivation of adisplay element shown as a control menu for the vehicle interioraccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10A and 10C are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a door panel with the composite structure presentinga user interface system configured as a control panel for a window of avehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 10B and 10D are schematic side views of a door with windowoperated by the control panel of the user interface system according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10E is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle interior componentshown as a door panel with the composite structure presenting a userinterface system configured as a control panel for a side view mirror ofa vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10F is a schematic side view of the side view mirror of the vehicleaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 11A to 11E are schematic perspective views a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a console with the composite structure presenting auser interface system configured to charge/interconnect with a mobiledevice shown as a smart phone according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11F is a schematic front view of display elements providinginformation at the user interface of the composite structure of thevehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a schematic exploded cross-section view of the compositestructure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 12B and 12C are schematic cross-section views of the compositestructure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12D is a schematic top view of a display shown as an LED arraylayer for the composite structure with cover according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12E is a schematic top view of a sensor shown as a capacitivesensor array layer for the composite structure with cover according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 13A to 13D are schematic cross-section/partial views of acomposite structure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a schematic view of a display element shown as a controlmenu for the user interface of the composite structure for a vehicleinterior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 14B through 14E are schematic top plan views of the user interfaceof the composite structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic perspective views of a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a door panel with the composite structure presentinga user interface system providing control/interaction and output oflighting levels/decorative effects for the vehicle interior according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15C is a schematic detail perspective view of a vehicle interiorcomponent shown as a door panel with the composite structure presentinga user interface system configured as a control panel and informationdisplay for the vehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 16A and 16E are schematic exploded cross-section views of acomposite structure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 16B to 16D and 16F to 16T are schematic cross-section views of acomposite structure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17A is a schematic cross-section view of a composite structure withcover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 17B to 17O are schematic cross-section views of interaction by avehicle occupant with a composite structure with cover according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 18A to 18D are schematic cross-section views of a compositestructure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 19A to 19D are schematic cross-section views of a compositestructure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B and 20H are schematic top plan views of a displayshown as an LED array layer for a composite structure to provide a userinterface on a vehicle interior component according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIGS. 20C and 20D and 20G are schematic side elevation views of adisplay shown as an LED array layer for a composite structure to providea user interface on a vehicle interior component according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 20E and 20F are schematic perspective views of a display shown asan LED array layer for a composite structure to provide a user interfaceon a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic top plan views of a sensor shown as asensor array layer for a composite structure to provide a user interfaceon a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 21C and 21D are schematic side elevation views of a sensor shownas a capacitive sensor array layer for a composite structure to providea user interface on a vehicle interior component according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 21E and 21F are schematic perspective views of a sensor shown as acapacitive sensor array layer for a composite structure to provide auser interface on a vehicle interior component according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 22A is a schematic top plan view of a sensor-display module for acomposite structure to provide a user interface on a vehicle interiorcomponent according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22B is a schematic exploded perspective view of a sensor-displaymodule for a composite structure to provide a user interface on avehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 22C and 22E are schematic perspective views of a sensor-displaymodule for a composite structure to provide a user interface on avehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 22D is a schematic side elevation view of a sensor-display modulefor a composite structure to provide a user interface on a vehicleinterior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23A is a top plan view of a sensor shown as a capacitive sensorarray layer for a composite structure to provide a user interface on avehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23B is a top plan view of a display shown as an LED array layer fora composite structure to provide a user interface on a vehicle interiorcomponent according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a controller/control system for acomposite structure to provide a user interface to interoperate withvehicle systems and other systems/networks for a vehicle interiorcomponent according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 25A to 25D are schematic views of a display element shown as acontrol menu for the user interface of the composite structure for avehicle interior component configured to interoperate with vehiclesystems according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 26A to 26B are schematic flow diagrams of operation of a userinterface of a composite structure for a vehicle interior componentconfigured to interoperate with vehicle systems according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a schematic flow diagram of operation of a user interface ofa composite structure for a vehicle interior component configured tointeroperate with vehicle systems according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 28A to 28E are schematic flow diagrams of operation of a userinterface of a composite structure for a vehicle interior componentconfigured to interoperate with vehicle systems according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 29A to 29B are schematic flow diagrams of operation of a userinterface of a composite structure for a vehicle interior componentconfigured to interoperate with vehicle systems according to anexemplary embodiment

FIG. 30A is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle interior componentshown as a console with a composite structure of a layer construction inoperation to present display elements at the user interface according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30B is a schematic perspective cross-section view of a compositestructure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30C is a schematic cross-section view of a composite structure withcover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 31A and 31B are schematic cross-section views of a compositestructure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a schematic cross-section view of a composite structure withcover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-section view of a composite structure withcover showing a control system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34A is a schematic exploded cross-section view of a compositestructure with cover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34B is a schematic cross-section view of a composite structure withcover showing a control system according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34C is a schematic cross-section view of a composite structure withcover according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34D is a schematic top plan view of a display shown as an LED arraylayer/light panel for a composite structure to provide a user interfaceon a vehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34E is a schematic top plan view of a sensor shown as a sensorarray layer for a composite structure to provide a user interface on avehicle interior component according to an exemplary embodiment.

DESCRIPTION Introduction/Overview

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, according to an exemplary embodimenta set of vehicle interior components shown as comprising a compositestructure 10 (e.g. with cover/surface) are shown provided for a vehicleV with an interior I.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in theFIGURES, a composite structure 10 (e.g. with cover/surface) may beprovided on or in a vehicle interior component (shown as floor consoleFC in FIG. 2B and door panel DP in FIG. 2C) in a wide variety of formswith a composite of layers/components of a variety of types/materialsand functions/performance attributes (see FIGS. 2C, 12A-12E, 16A-16T,17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D) connected to a controller/control system (seeFIGS. 12B, 23A-23B and 24) and with a control program (see e.g. FIG. 27)to present a user interface (see e.g. FIGS. 14A-14E and 15C) with anilluminated/display area 20 (e.g. shown as with a display element/image20 x in FIG. 2B and control panel/menu in FIGS. 15C and 25A-25D) on acover/exterior surface (e.g. surface of a type suitable for a vehicleinterior component as shown generally in FIGS. 1B and 2A) accessible bya vehicle occupant. See also FIGS. 3A-3T (e.g. vehicle interiorcomponent 100 shown schematically with cover/surface of compositestructure 110 providing user interface with menu/display element 120)and FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E(e.g. showing schematically interaction by vehicle occupant with userinterface at cover/surface of composite structure of vehicle interiorcomponent).

As indicated schematically in the FIGURES, according to an exemplaryembodiment the composite structure may be comprised of any of a widevariety of forms and types of layers and subcomponents to provide theform and fit and function for integration with a vehicle interiorcomponent and/or interconnectivity through a user interface with vehiclesystems and other systems and data/networks. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C,3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27 (showing interaction with vehicleoccupant by contact/touch/feel and display/lighting/illumination).According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure with userinterface for interaction may be provided on any of a wide variety ofvehicle interior components such as trim, consoles, doors, panels,surfaces, structures, seats, systems, spaces, lighting, etc. See e.g.FIGS. 1B and 2A (showing example integration of the composite structure10 with display on surface to provide a user interface/display on withseat backs, door panels, pillars, overhead/cockpit, instrument panel,consoles, doors, visors, backrests, walls, etc.). As indicatedgenerally, the user interface for interaction provided by the compositestructure for the vehicle interior may be configured tointerconnect/integrate for data communication/interchange andcontrol/monitoring with any of a wide variety of vehicle systems(including vehicle data from systems, cameras, data sources, on-boardnetwork, etc.) and other systems (e.g. data sources, devices, objects,networks, internet, etc.) in the vehicle or external to the vehicle;according to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may connect todevices (such as mobile phones, computing devices, etc.), systems (suchas entertainment systems, gaming systems, etc.) and objects (e.g.detected/networked objects such as cargo, luggage, tags, etc.).According to an exemplary embodiment, the display of the user interfacemay be configured to present data/information (e.g. messages, text,images, status, reminders, directions, maps, alerts, etc.) and topresent effects (e.g. display/visual effects for ambient lighting,color, tone, etc.) for decorative functions and/or userselected/preferred choice (e.g. for comfort, mood, purpose, convenience,etc.) at or on the vehicle interior component (e.g. individually or incoordination). See FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F,8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F and 11A-11E. See also FIGS. 8D and 14D (e.g.example display of vehicle camera information on user interface onsurface of composite structure of vehicle interior component).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the construction of the compositestructure may designed/constructed and assembled to generally integratewith vehicle interior components in fit, form and function. See e.g.FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment asshown schematically in FIG. 2B, the composite structure may comprise acover layer T (e.g. translucent/semi-transparent in effectcomposite/surface layer such as textile/fabric layer providing a coveror a leather material, fiber material, etc. or a poly/plastic film covermaterial, etc.), a functional layer shown as layer E/F/N (e.g. which mayprovide one function or more of separation/positioning as a positioninglayer E, cushioning/compliance such as by a foam material (or fabricmaterial) F, functionality from a functional layer N such as for heatexchanger/heating element/cooling, electrical interferenceprotection/shielding, electronic connectivity, power interconnection forcharging devices, etc.), a sensor/detector component C shown asproviding a system/array (e.g. matrix, grid, etc.) to detect input suchas touch/proximity or movement/gesture from a user/vehicle occupant(e.g. a detection system, touch-sensitive array, capacitive touchsurface as used with touch-screen devices or other touch-sensitivematerial, sensor array to detect proximity/motion above the surface,etc.), a functional layer E/F/N (such as to provide shielding, lightdirection/diffusion such as may alter the amplitude/magnitude or colorof transmitted light), a display shown as light array/display layer Lsuch as comprising a material substrate with an array of lightingdevices (e.g. such as light-emitting device/diode elements), a bondingor backing/rigidifying/attachment layer for a base/structure orsubstrate S (such as a molded or formed plastic base/structure for avehicle interior component). See also FIGS. 12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,18A-18D, 19A-19D.

As indicated in the FIGURES, according to an exemplary embodiment thelayers/components of the composite structure will be selected andcombined/assembled to facilitate the transmission of illumination/lightfrom the display to and through the cover/exterior surface (e.g. withlight-transmissive layer/cover to present the user interface such aswith display elements 20 and 20 x). See e.g. FIGS. 2B-2C and 17J-17O and19C.

According to an exemplary embodiment, including but not limited to asindicated in FIGS. 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 19A-19D, the composite structure(e.g. with cover/surface) may provide any of a wide variety ofcombinations of layers; for example, as indicated in FIG. 13D, thestructure/surface may be provided as a composite structure/material witha cover T and light array layer L which may be configured to beattachable to a base layer B or substrate layer S (e.g. for connectionto a panel or component in a vehicle interior). According to anexemplary embodiment the composite structure (e.g. with cover/surface)may comprise a layered construction selected for a particular purposefor a vehicle interior component with each layer in a form configuredfor the purpose (e.g. in construction, thickness, positioning, etc.).See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 17A-17O. As indicatedschematically, according to an exemplary embodiment the compositestructure will be configured to provide intended functionality throughthe combination of layers arranged and constructed for the purpose (e.g.including translucence/semi-transparence to facilitate illumination fromthe display layer at the user interface presented on the surface of thecomposite structure) to present the user interface for vehicle/othersystems. See FIGS. 12C, 17J-17O, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the FIGURES, thecomposite structure 10 with a cover/exterior surface is configured topresent user interface with sensor and display providing displayelements 20 (e.g. icons, symbols, texts, images, panels,charging/connectivity for mobile devices, decorative effects, etc.) andconnectivity to vehicle/other systems and networks; as indicatedschematically, the composite structure 10 with display elements 20 atthe user interface provides for integration (e.g. physically, visually,mechanically, electronically, etc.) with a wide variety of interiorcomponents and systems of the vehicle. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3Tand 8A-8D. As shown schematically in the FIGURES according to anexemplary embodiment, the composite structure with user interface may beintegrated in or on a vehicle interior component in a manner to providean appearance and feel provided by the cover/exterior surface andcompliant/resilient layers beneath the cover. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 12Cand 17A-17O (e.g. composite structure provides for compliantpressure/compression, touch/contact at surface and movement/detection atproximity of sensor). According to an exemplary embodiment, thecover/exterior surface of the composite structure may provide tactilefeedback (e.g. shear/sliding feel) in response to contact/movement bythe vehicle occupant detected by the sensor to facilitate accurate andconvenient use/operation by touch/contact in interaction with theinterface; according to an exemplary embodiment the sensor may beconfigured to detect gestures/movement adjacent to the cover/exteriorsurface of the composite structure in interaction with the userinterface. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and 17A-17O. See also FIG. 27.

As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F,8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may beconfigured to provide a system and method of operating the userinterface with vehicle systems and other systems/networks from thevehicle interior component. See also FIGS. 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and29A-29B (functional subsystem operation according to an exemplaryembodiment). According to an exemplary embodiment, the compositestructure for the vehicle interior component may be constructed toprovide a cover/exterior surface to present a user interface and toprovide features (e.g. by material design/selection, componentdesign/selection, assembly/layering, etc.) suitable for a vehicleinterior such as system integration (user/system compatibility andconnectivity), decorative appearance (look, form and shape),color/texture, softness/firmness (including combination of soft/firm bythickness, placement, etc.), feel/touch/haptic sensation (bymaterial/component selection, assembly, thickness, etc.), resistance todirt/stains (by cover, treatment, etc.), repellence to water/fluids (bycover, treatment, etc.), convenient to maintain/clean (by form, cover,treatment, etc.), etc. See generally FIGS. 3A-3T and 9A-9E.

According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated schematically in theFIGURES, the composite structure may provide a user interface system forvehicle systems and other systems/devices and data/network connectivity.See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E,9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. As indicatedschematically in FIGS. 12B, 19A-19D, 23A-23B, 24 and 27, the compositestructure may be provided with a control system (e.g. a computing orcomputer-based or microprocessor or data system such as with a computingdevice configured to monitor and control performance of functionalsubsystems of the structure/surface sensor C and display L) to providethe interconnectivity and the control/functional interface with vehiclesystems and other systems/devices and data/networks (e.g. access to datasources on the vehicle/in the vehicle and external to the vehicle,on-vehicle network/networks, external networks including the internet,etc.). See also FIGS. 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (functionalsubsystem operation according to an exemplary embodiment). According toan exemplary embodiment as indicated schematically in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24and 27, the controller/control system for the user interface of thecomposite structure may comprise a control program and data connection(e.g. to networks including the internet, devices such as mobiledevices, smart phones and tablets, data sources/storage, vehiclesystems/subsystems, etc.); the controller/control system for the userinterface of the composite structure may be configured with input/outputinterfaces to provide functionality for the vehicle occupant asindicated (for example) in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24 and 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28Eand 29A-29B. See also FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C and 3A-3T.

As indicated schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 24 and 27, according to anexemplary embodiment, the composite structure may be configured toprovide a display element and/or control element appearing as a visualimage/information content on the exterior/show surface of the cover; thedisplay element/control element may be configured for interaction withan occupant of the vehicle; for example, an image may appear as adisplay element and present a control element such as a switch toactuate one or more vehicle systems and subsystems (e.g. by interfacethrough or with the control system and vehicle systems/subsystems suchas shown for example in FIGS. 4A-4F [HVAC/user comfort/ventilation/powerwindow system, etc.], FIGS. 5A-5F [seating system], FIGS. 6A-6F [seatheating/defrost control, speed control, door/window locks, etc.]). Seealso FIGS. 11A-11F, 15C, 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B(functional subsystem operation through the user interface according toan exemplary embodiment).

As indicated schematically in FIGS. 2B and 7A-7F, the compositestructure with cover/surface 10 may provide a variety of selectiveappearances (e.g. color/shading, lighting/intensity,decoration/decorative effect, etc.) of a display element 20 (e.g. menu,image, text, etc.); as indicated schematically in FIGS. 8A-8E and 15C,the composite structure may provide as display/control elements 20 avariety of visual images/effects including communications (e.g.indicators, functional displays, information display, data display,visual effect, messaging, notices/notifications, symbols,switches/controls, user interface, graphics, etc.). As indicatedschematically in the FIGURES, communications/visual effects that mayappear on the composite structure may be provided from any of a varietyof systems/subsystems and data sources (e.g. including vehiclesystems/subsystems, vehicle data, vehicle operation/instrumentation,network-data, mobile devices, etc.). For example, as indicated accordingto an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 8A through 8D, the compositestructure may provide data as to a vehicle system (e.g. “DOOR AJAR”) ortemperature (e.g. “20 C”) or weather (e.g. by text and/or image) or aselected visual effect (e.g. two-tone panel) on a vehicle interiorcomponent.

As indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS.3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,14A-14E and 15A-15C, the occupant of the vehicle may through the userinterface of the composite structure interact with and/or operate andcontrol any of a variety of systems/subsystems on the vehicle and/orother devices in or connected to the vehicle (e.g. mobile phone, tablet,data/computing devices, accessories, equipment, etc.). See also FIGS.24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. For example, as indicated in FIGS.9A-9E and 10A-10E, the composite structure may provide a control element(e.g. at a designated or selective location on an interior component)for window control or exterior mirror control; as indicatedschematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 11A-11E thecomposite structure may provide a control interface for a mobile devicePH such as a mobile/smart phone (e.g. providing telephony connection,data/internet connection, music/audio player connection, etc. bynear-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other dataconnectivity) for a vehicle occupant. See also FIGS. 3A-3T and 14A-14E.

As indicated schematically in the FIGURES, according to an exemplaryembodiment the composite structure may be provided in any of a widevariety of forms to provide any of a wide variety of features andfunctions for a vehicle interior/component (e.g. with variouscombinations of layers of various types of materials/layers as indicatedschematically). According to an exemplary embodiment the vehicleinterior component with composite structure provides a user interfacesystem to provide various functions and features for a vehicle/vehicleoccupant as indicated schematically in the FIGURES; the compositestructure/user interface system provides a visual display (throughdisplay light element array/matrix/grid layer L); the userinterface/control (through a functional layer such as with the sensorproviding a touch-sensitive layer C) so that information can bepresented on the composite structure (such as surface 110/120) through adisplay of visual image/information for enhanced user interaction in avehicle interior. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 8A-8E,9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11F 14A-14E and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior component maybe configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems; the component may comprise acomposite structure 10 with display/control elements 20 configured toprovide the user interface. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 14A-14E and 16A-16T.According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the componentmay comprise (a) a cover providing an exterior surface; (b) a sensor;(c) a display; (d) a functional layer; the cover may comprise atranslucent layer. See e.g. FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. According to anexemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 17A-17O and 27, thesensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor. Seee.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 14A-14E, 24, 25A-25D and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise at leastone of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grainsurface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificialleather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l)upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) anon-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r)a composite of multiple fiber materials; the cover may comprise at leastone of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e)polyvinyl material; (f) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (g) acomposite of multiple materials. See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer may beconfigured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) hapticfeedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedbacksuch as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h)electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electricalcharging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion orbonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing the Peltier effect; (t) diffusion ofillumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w)alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility. See e.g.FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. According to anexemplary embodiment, the functional layer may comprise a positioninglayer configured to retain positioning within the composite structurefor operation of the sensor from input from the vehicle occupant; thepositioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) aflexible spacer; (c) a shield for electromagnetic interference; (d) afoam material; (e) a plastic material. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the functional layer may be at least partially integratedwith at least one of (a) the cover; (b) the positioning layer; (c) asubstrate of the composite structure. See e.g. FIGS. 2B-2C, 3A-3T,16A-16T and 17A-17O.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure furthermay comprise a foam layer under the cover. See e.g. FIGS. 2B and16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structuremay comprise a resilient layer/form. See e.g. FIGS. 12C and 17B-17C.According to an exemplary embodiment, the resilient layer may comprisethe foam layer; the resilient layer may comprise or be integrated withthe cover. See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may beconfigured so that input from the vehicle occupant at the exteriorsurface of the cover may be detected by the sensor. According to anexemplary embodiment, input from the vehicle occupant may comprisecontact with the exterior surface of the cover. See e.g. FIGS. 12A-12E,17A-17O and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interfacemay be configured so that output from the display may be presented atleast partially through the exterior surface of the cover. See e.g.FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, and 17J-17K. According to anexemplary embodiment, the sensor may comprise a capacitive touch panelconfigured to receive a touch input. See e.g. FIGS. 17D-17E.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure maycomprise one of (a) the cover; (b) a positioning layer such as a spacer;(c) the sensor; (d) a foam layer; (e) the display; (f) a substrate. Seee.g. FIGS. 2C and 16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecomposite structure may comprise one of (a) the cover; (b) thepositioning layer; (c) the sensor; (d) a diffuser layer; (e) thedisplay; (f) a substrate. See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may comprise one of(a) the cover; (b) the functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) apositioning layer; (e) the display; (f) a substrate. See e.g. FIGS. 2Cand 16A-16T.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may beconfigured in a contoured shape. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 18A-18Dand 19A-19D. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compositestructure may comprise a substrate. See e.g. FIG. 2C. According to anexemplary embodiment, the composite structure may be coupled to at leastone of (a) a trim component; (b) a panel; (c) a door; (d) a surface; (e)a console; (f) a base; (g) a structure. See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C.According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure maycomprise one of (a) the cover; (b) a positioning layer; (c) the display;the composite structure may comprise a base or substrate. See e.g. FIGS.2B and 16A-16T.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the vehicleinterior component with composite structure to provide a user interfacewith vehicle systems may comprise a control system configured to connectto vehicle systems and other systems/networks. See e.g. FIGS. 12B,19A-19D, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controlsystem may be configured to facilitate operation by the vehicle occupantfor at least one of (a) sending a signal to a control module, (b)controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to a vehicle component, (d)providing electrical power to a vehicle component, (e) providing atleast one of (1) visible feedback, (2) audible feedback, (3) tactilefeedback, (4) haptic feedback to the vehicle occupant. See FIGS. 2A-2C,3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, and 11A-11E.The vehicle interior component may comprise a controller for thecomposite structure. See e.g. FIGS. 24 and 27. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the user interface may comprise a control panel presented atthe exterior surface of the cover. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 14A-14E and15C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller for thecomposite structure may be connected to the user interface. See e.g.FIGS. 23A-23B, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecontrol system may comprise a controller configured to send a controlsignal to at least one vehicle system. See e.g. FIGS. 26A-26B, 27,28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehiclesystems comprise at least one vehicle system; a vehicle system maycomprise at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climatecontrol system, (d) an entertainment system, (e) a security system, (f)an engine control unit, (g) a data storage system, (h) a database, (i) amotor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a window regulator/control; (l) anetwork; (m) a data storage system; (n) a database. See e.g. FIGS. 2A,3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,23A-23B, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may beconfigured for interaction with a vehicle occupant by at least one of(a) touch at the exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor or(b) gesture adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover detected bythe sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 17A-17O. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the sensor may comprise at least one of (a) an array/matrix;(b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexiblepanel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touchpanel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel. See e.g. FIGS. 16A-16T and21A-21E.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may comprise at leastone of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen; (e)a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a lighting device array; (h)a light-emitting device array; (i) a LED array; (j) a flexible LEDarray; (k) a flexible sheet. See e.g. FIGS. 20A-20H and 22A-22E.According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may be configured todisplay at least one of (a) data; (b) information; (c) vehicle systeminformation; (d) an input panel; (e) a menu system; (f) an output panel;(g) an image; (h) a control panel. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F,5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C,25A-25D and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compositestructure may comprise a composite surface. See FIGS. 2A-2C and 12A-12E,16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D and 19A-19D. According to an exemplaryembodiment as shown schematically, the cover comprises an at leastpartially translucent cover; illumination from the display at theexterior surface of the composite structure comprises visible light atleast transmitted through the sensor and through the functional layerand through the at least partially translucent cover (e.g. configured asan decorative layer/exterior surface). See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 3F and17J-17O.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, a vehicleinterior component may be configured for interaction with an occupant ofa vehicle comprising vehicle systems; the component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide a user interface forinteraction with the occupant. See FIGS. 12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,18A-18D and 19A-19D. According to an exemplary embodiment the componentmay comprise a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, a displayand a functional layer; the cover may comprise a translucent layer; thesensor may be configured to detect input from the occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover. According to an exemplaryembodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 2B and 17J-17O, the displaymay be configured to provide illumination at least partially visiblethrough the exterior surface of the cover; operation of the userinterface for the occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor.According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, the userinterface may comprise a display element from illumination from thedisplay that may be configured to be selectively positioned on theexterior surface of the cover; the display element of the user interfacemay comprise at least one of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a buttonindicator; (d) a menu system; (e) a display panel image; (f) aninformation display image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a controlpanel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionableimage; (l) a projected image. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27.According to an exemplary embodiment, the display element of the userinterface may be configured to be positioned on the exterior surface ofthe cover by at least one of (a) contacting of the exterior surface ofthe cover at a position where the display element is to be displayedwhen the display element is not displayed; (b) contacting the exteriorsurface of the cover where the display element is displayed and draggingthe display element along the exterior surface of the cover to aposition where the display element is to be displayed. See e.g. FIGS.3A-3E, 3G and 3H-3I. See also FIGS. 17A-17O, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior component maybe configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A, 3A-3T, 4A-4F,5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C,25A-25D and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the component may comprise a composite structureconfigured to provide the user interface; the cover may comprise atranslucent layer; the sensor may be configured to detect input from thevehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover;the display may be configured to provide illumination at least partiallyvisible through the exterior surface of the cover; operation of the userinterface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a)output from illumination from the display and (b) input detected by thesensor. See FIGS. 3A-3T, 16A-16T and 17A-17O and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.17A-17O, the user interface may be configured (a) to be activated foroperation by compressing the cover toward the sensor (see distance HA inFIG. 17H); (b) to be operated by contacting the exterior surface withina distance where input can be detected by the sensor (see distance HB inFIG. 17I); (c) to be operated by movement directed by the vehicleoccupant above the exterior surface of the cover within a distance whereinput can be detected by the sensor (see FIGS. 17F-17G). According to anexemplary embodiment, the user interface may be configured forinteraction with a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at theexterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b)movement/gesture adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover detectedby the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 17B-17G. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the user interface may be configured for (a) a sleep mode(e.g. low power consumption, display off, etc.) and awakening from thesleep mode by compressing the cover toward the sensor by a firstthreshold distance and (b) for an awake mode (e.g. ready foroperation/interface with vehicle occupant) providing a control panel andoperating the control panel by touching the exterior surface of thecover within a second threshold distance from the sensor. See e.g. FIGS.17A and 17H-17I. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (flowdiagrams of operation according to an exemplary embodiment).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may comprise adisplay element on the exterior surface of the cover. According to anexemplary embodiment as shown schematically for example in FIGS. 2A-2C,3A-3T, 8A-8E, 10A-10E, 11A-11F and 14A-14E, the display element of theuser interface may comprise at least one of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol;(c) a button indicator; (d) a menu system; (e) a display panel image;(f) an information display image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) acontrol panel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) arepositionable image; (l) a projected image. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the display/design element (e.g. icon, symbol, image,message, button, etc.) of the user interface may be configured to beselectively positionable on the exterior surface of the cover byinteraction with the vehicle occupant. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A-3E, 3G,3H-3I, 3K-3T and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior component maybe configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E,15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the component may comprise a composite structureconfigured to provide the user interface; the cover may comprise atranslucent layer; the cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile;(b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f)synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i)polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholsteredmaterial; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-wovenmaterial; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) acomposite of multiple fiber materials. See FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T.According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.2A-2C, 3A-3T, 8A-8E, 17J-17O and 27, the sensor may be configured todetect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exteriorsurface of the cover; the display may be configured to provideillumination at least partially visible through the exterior surface ofthe cover; operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant maycomprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the displayand (b) input detected by the sensor. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28Eand 29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior component maybe configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems; the component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface. See FIGS.2A-2B, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment as shownschematically, the cover may comprise a translucent layer; the sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover; the display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover. According to an exemplary embodimentas shown schematically, the functional layer may be configured for atleast one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d)tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound;(f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding;(i) interference shielding; (j) electrical charging for a device; (k)interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system;(m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feelperformance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s)providing the Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from thedisplay; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging. Seee.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. According to anexemplary embodiment, operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination fromthe display and (b) input detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T,17A-17O and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a vehicleinterior component comprising a composite structure to provide a coverwith an exterior surface and a sensor and a display configured toprovide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprisingvehicle systems may comprise the steps of: (a) to activate the userinterface for operation compressing the cover toward the sensor to adistance where input can be detected by the sensor; and (b) to operateand/or to position the user interface contacting the exterior surfacewithin a distance where input can be detected by the sensor. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise a translucentlayer/material. See FIGS. 12C, 17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B,28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a)touch or (b) pressure or (c) proximity or (d) movement or (e) gesture.See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, thedisplay may be configured to provide illumination at least partiallyvisible through the exterior surface of the cover. See FIGS. 2B and17J-17K. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise atranslucent layer. See FIGS. 16A-16T and 17A-17O. According to anexemplary embodiment, the sensor may be configured to detect input fromthe vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of thecover; as shown schematically, the sensor C may comprise a mesh/grid ofa commercially available configuration with elements shown as conductorsWM configured into an array/matrix that can be connected to acontroller/control system. See e.g. FIGS. 21A-21D, 23A, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of operating a vehicleinterior component comprising a composite structure to provide a coverwith an exterior surface and a sensor and a display configured toprovide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprisingvehicle systems may comprise the steps of: (a) pressing the cover towardthe sensor to a distance where input can be detected by the sensor; and(b) contacting the exterior surface within a distance where input can bedetected by the sensor. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS.26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. The cover may comprise a translucentlayer; the sensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicleoccupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from atleast one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e)gesture; (f) positioning. The display may be configured to provideillumination at least partially visible through the exterior surface ofthe cover; operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant maycomprise at least one of (a) output from illumination from the displayand (b) input detected by the sensor. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. The stepof pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise compressing thecover toward the sensor to a first threshold distance where input can bedetected by the sensor to actuate the user interface. The step ofcontacting the exterior surface may comprise contact within a secondthreshold distance where input can be detected by the sensor to operateand/or to position the user interface. See FIGS. 17H and 17I (distanceHA and distance HB). The step of pressing the cover toward the sensormay comprise deforming the composite structure at least partially. Seee.g. FIG. 12C. The method may further comprise the step of movement ator adjacent the exterior surface detected as input by the sensor; thestep of contacting the exterior surface within a second thresholddistance may not require deformation of the composite structure. SeeFIGS. 17A-17O and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior component maybe configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. The component may comprise acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface with acover providing an exterior surface and a sensor and a functional layer.See e.g. FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. The cover may comprise a translucentlayer. The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric;(c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiberfabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j)synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) afleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) asheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of multiplefiber materials. The sensor may be configured to detect input from thevehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the coverfrom at least one of (a) touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d)movement; (e) gesture; (f) positioning; operation of the user interfacefor the vehicle occupant may comprise input detected by the sensor. SeeFIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior component maybe configured to provide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in avehicle comprising vehicle systems. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 24 and 27. Thecomponent may comprise a composite structure configured to provide theuser interface with a cover providing an exterior surface and a displayand a functional layer. See FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D and 16A-16T. The displaymay be configured to provide illumination at least partially visiblethrough the functional layer and through the exterior surface of thecover; interaction with the user interface for the vehicle occupant maycomprise visible output from illumination from the display. See e.g.FIGS. 3A-3T and 17J-17O.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicle interior component maycomprise one of (a) a surface layer positioned on top of other layers atleast partly translucent and at least partly accessible by hand for auser, (b) a layer with a capacitive touch panel, (c) a layer with aflexible spacer (e.g. spacer fabric, fabric spacer, foam material,etc.), and (d) a display covered by the surface. See FIGS. 2A-2C and16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface layer/cover,sensor shown as capacitive touch panel, positioning/spacer layer anddisplay may be combined (e.g. in a stack) to create a configuration fora user interface area characterized by a soft and at least partlytranslucent surface; as indicated, sufficient areas of the layersbetween the display and the surface are translucent for the lightemitted from the display; the sensor such as a capacitive touch panelmay be provided with a trigger position on or below the surface from theview of the user (e.g. to operate as a switch to activate the userinterface); the area of the cover/surface of the composite structurepresenting the user interface may be used as an integrated control/touchpanel (e.g. for input) and display panel (e.g. for output). See e.g.FIGS. 3A-3T and 17J-17O.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.2A-2C, the composite structure may comprise a translucent exterior/coversurface (e.g. “A-surface” or “show surface” in the vehicle) and providea contoured/formed surface or three-dimensional shape (e.g. holding ashape of regular geometrical bodies/structures for vehicle interiorcomponents). According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematicallyin FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16B, and 17A-17O, thefunctional/foam/positioning layer of the composite structure maycomprise a flexible material/spacer configured to be deformed by thevehicle occupant in use/operation of the user interface; according to anexemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS. 12C and 17J-17K,deformation of the surface of the composite structure at the userinterface operates as a switch to activate the user interface foroperation (and deactivate according to an exemplary embodiment) (e.g.when the sensor detects a “trigger”/threshold proximity the userinterface is switched on/activated to be operational). See also FIGS.26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.12A-12C and 16A-16T, the translucent surface may comprise atextile/fabric/sheet and/or a fleece and/or a plastic (such as likepolycarbonate PC, polyurethane PUR, polyvinyl chloride PVC, etc. in alayer/cover or film) and/or leather and/or natural fiber; the surfacematerial may be perforated to improve the visibility of theillumination/light from the display. See e.g. FIG. 20H. According to anexemplary embodiment as shown schematically, thepositioning/functional/foam layer that may provide the spacer E maycomprise a fabric and/or a foam material that is deformable (e.g.fabric, spacer fabric, foam, polyurethane, fiber material, wovenmaterial, etc.); and the spacer may be configured to performelectromagnetic (e.g. EMV) shielding and may be configured toshield/direct light from the display/LED array for the user interface(e.g. directing light from display/LED elements to the surface). Seee.g. FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 20G-20H.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.20A-20H and 22A-22E, the display may comprise at least one lightemitting diode system; the display system may comprise an array of lightemitting diodes (e.g. such as surface mount LED elements on a flexiblematerial); according to an exemplary embodiment the display system maycomprise an light array such as a conventional flexible LED array/panelsystem or a high resolution OLED array/panel system. See FIGS. 16A-16T(showing light array such as LED/OLED array). See also FIGS. 22A-22E(display/sensor module shown schematically with high resolution LED/OLEDarray). As indicated schematically in FIG. 12D, the light array/displaylayer L may comprise an array of light-emitting diode (LED) elementsoperable as a display to present various images, text, messages, etc.See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E,10A-10F, 11A-11E and 14A-14E. As shown schematically in FIGS. 20A-20Hand 22A-22E, the array may be sized and configured with a resolutionsuitable for the application/use (e.g. with smaller LED elements, withcloser-positioned LED elements, with surface-mount LED elements [e.g.sized 20 to 50 mm or other size] with varied brightness/color or opticalperformance, with power consumption/efficiency, etc.) as intended orselected for the purpose/need in the vehicle interior. See e.g. FIGS.1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T and 15A-15C. According to an exemplary embodiment, thedisplay L of the composite structure 10 presenting the user interfacewith display elements 20 may comprise a commercially availableconfiguration (e.g. panel, array, etc.) that can be connected to acontroller/control system for operation/functionality and interactionwith vehicle systems and other systems (e.g. data/network connectivity).See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B, 20A-20H, 23B, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.3A-3T and 8A-8E, in operation of the user interface, the display may beconfigured to selectively emit light in response to a signal from thesensor; the sensor may be configured to receive an input and transmit asignal (e.g. the sensor such as a capacitive touch panel may beconfigured for decreased electrical resistance as pressure may beapplied to the panel). See also FIGS. 23A-23B, 24 and 27. According toan exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E,13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D and 21A-21F, the sensor (and otherlayers) of the composite structure may be flexible and may be formedinto various different shapes. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecomposite structure may comprise a functional layer which has at leastpartly a pattern of electrical conductors which are heated by current;thermal textile (e.g. positive temperature coefficient yarn/PTC yarn)may be used to control the heating; the composite structure/system maycomprise at least partly a layer with Peltier elements (e.g. textilePeltier elements) cooled by current; thermal management may beimplemented according to an exemplary embodiment at a functional layer(shown schematically as layer N and/or layer N/HS); the functional layerfor thermal management may comprise an electrically conductivetextile/yarn; a controller may be used to control the heating/cooling ata layer such as shown by thermal management layer HS. See e.g. FIGS.2A-2C, 13A-13D and 16A-16T. See also FIGS. 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 2Band 12A-12C, the composite structure may comprise a stack of layersconfigured to be mounted on a structure/frame or body for a vehicleinterior component where the user interface is to be provided for avehicle occupant to interact with vehicle systems and othersystems/networks. See also FIGS. 14A-14E, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure maycomprise a sensor C configured as a component/system to provide the userinterface system; as indicated schematically, the sensor C may comprisea sensor/layer in the form of a capacitive touch panel, which may becalibrated to detect proximity and motion at or adjacent to the surfaceof the cover (e.g. to recognize contact/touch and movements/gestures ofthe user as input); the component/system may comprise a layer with apattern (e.g. shown schematically as a formed/printed conductive patternWM on sensor array C in FIG. 23A) configured to detect/sense and locatedpressure on the surface of the component/system. See e.g. FIGS. 17A-17O,21A-21F, 23A, 24 and 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecomponent/system may comprise and integrate as a functional layer anactuator which vibrates the surface (e.g. providing haptic feedback fora vehicle occupant interacting with the surface). See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13Dand 16A-16T. As shown schematically according to an exemplaryembodiment, a controller may be further configured to send a controlsignal to at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climatecontrol module, (d) an entertainment control module, (e) a securitycontrol module, (f) an engine control unit, (g) a data store, (h) adatabase, (i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a windowregulator/control. See e.g. FIGS. 23A-23B and 24 (showing schematicallya controller or a connection to a computer system to manage control ofthe user interface interactions such as display/lighting, etc. using acontrol program). According to an exemplary embodiment, a method ofusing a vehicle interior component may be characterized by the detectionby the sensor of (a) a pattern of finger tips and/or hand movements onthe surface; (b) and/or gestures of the user or a combination ofmovements and gestures and touches. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See alsoFIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodimentas shown schematically, the pattern, movements or gestures detected atthe sensor may change the displayed control element or visual appearance(displayed features) and/or make the displayed features moveable bytouch or wipe (repositionable) and/or move the sensitivity of the touchpanel fixed to the displayed features. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and 17A-17O.According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicleinterior component may comprise a set of calibrated hand/fingermovements by a vehicle occupant to operate the user interface at thecomposite structure (e.g. a double finger-tip of two fingers, activatesa set of functions, e.g. window-lift operation, and repeat of thatdouble finger-tip of two fingers activates a next set of functions suchas climate control). See FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. See alsoFIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11Eand 27. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using avehicle interior component presenting a user interface on thesurface/cover of a composite structure may comprise a vehicle occupanthaving the capability to “paint” (e.g. by using parts/palm of the hand)with light on the surface/cover (e.g. an option to illuminateselectively the surface of the composite structure with illumination ordisplayed light from the display). See FIGS. 3G and 17L-17M. See alsoFIGS. 26A-26B and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodiment, amethod of using a vehicle interior component may comprise that the userinterface at the composite structure will vibrate (e.g. haptic feedbackfrom an actuator in a functional layer N) to provide a feedback avehicle occupant (e.g. feel/haptic sense at the fingers of the vehicleoccupant to confirm the activation). See e.g. FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T.According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicleinterior component may comprise that a drag/drop (e.g. slide/throw)gesture of the hand of a vehicle occupant may reposition a displayelement (such as an image, icon, menu, feature, etc.) displayed on thecover/surface of the composite structure. See FIGS. 3H-3I and 17.According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicleinterior component may comprise that a gesture or movement (e.g. movinghand) activates the user interface to awake and displayinformation/views on the cover/surface. See e.g. FIGS. 17D-17E and26A-26B. See also FIGS. 3A-3T.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicleinterior component comprising a composite structure with a layer thatmay be heated and/or cooled may characterized by (a) that the heatingand/or cooling may be used to provide comfort to the vehicle occupant(including any passenger) and/or (b) that at least one cooled area ofthe surface provides feedback information to the passenger and/or (c)that at least one heated area of the surface provides feedbackinformation to the passenger. See FIGS. 23A-23B, 24, 26A and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicleinterior component may comprise that the composite structure withcover/surface in the area of the air conditioning outlet/symbol may beconfigured to provide feedback to confirm the activation of the airconditioning system; the composite structure in the area of the heatingoutlet/symbol may be configured to provide a feedback to confirm theactivation of the heating system (e.g. a thermal management/functionallayer may comprise and integrate a thermocouple, thermometer, etc. tomonitor and control thermal response/status in the vehicle interior).See FIGS. 16A-16B and 24. See also FIG. 26A.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of using a vehicleinterior component may include a sensor such as pressure sensitive layerand/or an optical device which could detect the position of an objectlying on a surface may be characterized by the steps of marking theposition of the object with light from the display layer (e.g. outlineor fill with color); marking proposed fixation points; displayinstructions near to the detected object; and display symbols near tothe detected object; in a compartment/trunk at least one object may bemarked for fixation and/or proposed fixation points are illuminatedand/or instructions for fixation are given with regards to size andweight. See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 24.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user interface system for avehicle interior may comprise a contact surface at the cover layer T; asensor shown as a capacitive touch panel may be covered by the contactsurface; a positioning layer shown as a spacer may be coupled to thetouch panel; and a display may covered by the spacer and configured toemit light/illumination through the cover layer. See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2Cand 14A-14E. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematicallyin FIGS. 17J-17O, the spacer, the sensor (e.g. a projected capacitivetouch panel or other component/technology) and the cover/contact surfaceare configured to be translucent to allow light emitted by the displayto pass through the contact surface. See also FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T.According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, thecover/exterior contact surface may comprise a textile; the positioninglayer/spacer may comprise a foam material (e.g. foam, polyurethane,etc.). See FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O and 18A-18D.According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may comprise at leastone light emitting diode; the display may comprise a flexible materialcomprising an array of light emitting diodes; the display may beconfigured to selectively emit light in response to a signal from thesensor. See FIGS. 20A-20H and 23B. See also FIGS. 17A-17O and 27.According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure of thevehicle interior component may comprise a controller configured foroperation by a vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending a signalto a control module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal toa vehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to a vehiclecomponent, (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback, (2)audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to thevehicle occupant; the controller may be further configured to send acontrol signal to at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) aclimate control module, (d) an entertainment control module, (e) asecurity control module, (f) an engine control unit, (g) a data store,(h) a database, (i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a windowregulator/control. See FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27.See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a user interface system for avehicle interior may be provided by a composite structure with a coveror contact surface; a sensor such as a capacitive touch panel covered bythe cover or contact surface; a positioning layer such as a spacercoupled to the touch panel; and a display covered by the spacerconfigured to emit light. See FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 19A-19D,20A-20H. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically,the positioning layer (e.g. spacer), the sensor (e.g. capacitive touchpanel) and the cover/contact surface are configured to be translucent toallow illumination from (light emitted by) the display to pass throughthe cover/contact surface; the contact surface may comprise a textile;the display may comprise a flexible material comprising an array oflight emitting diodes. See 12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19Dand 20A-20H. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematicallyin FIGS. 20A-20H, the display may be configured to selectively emitlight in response to a signal from the capacitive touch panel. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 21A-21F, thesensor shown as capacitive touch panel may be configured to receive atouch input and transmit a signal at a user interface provided at thecomposite structure. See also FIG. 23A. (According to an exemplaryembodiment as shown schematically, a sensor such as a capacitive touchpanel may be configured for calibration of detected signalscorresponding to movement and location of the hand of a vehicle occupantand/or touch and the application of pressure, see FIGS. 17J-17O, 21A-21Fand 23A.)

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure/system maycomprise a controller provided through a user interface and configuredfor operation of vehicle systems and interconnection with othersystems/networks by a vehicle occupant. See FIGS. 12B, 23A-23B, 24 and27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure orcomponent may be configured and comprised to provide a user interface tofacilitate interactions by a vehicle occupant with vehicle systems andsubsystems including but not limited to vehicle systems as shown in theFIGURES.

Construction of Composite Structure

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the FIGURES,a composite structure for the vehicle interior may comprise acombination of multiple layers of a form/material and with a typearranged and constructed to form various components providing form andfit and function according to design intent and/or requirements (e.g.for automotive use in a vehicle interior). See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C,13A-13D and 16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the composite structure comprises a set of layers ofmaterials/components configured to present a user interface system for avehicle occupant to interact with vehicle systems/other systems (e.g.cover layers such as layer T/TH/PC/PVC/PUR/TPO, integrated layers suchas with layer E/F/N, functional layers such as layer N/HS/D,base/bond/substrate layers such as layer B/S, sensor layer C, displaylayer L, positioning layer E, foam layer F, etc.). See FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C,12A-12H, 13A-13D, 15A-15C, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, and 18A-18D (configurationof component/layer construction of composite structure according to anexemplary embodiment). See also FIGS. 23A-23B, 24 and 27(controller/control system and operation).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure for avehicle interior component shown as multilayer structure 10 may beconfigured with a user interface comprising a sensor/detector C (e.g.for input) and a display/light system L (e.g. for output) to facilitateinteraction by a vehicle occupant (e.g. at a display element such as apanel/area 20 for input and/or output) with vehicle systems and othersystems/devices and networks/data. See generally FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,8A-8E, 11A-11F, 12A-12H, 13A-13D, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,18A-18D, 20A-20H, 21A-21F, 22A-22E, 24 and 27. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the composite structure configured to provide a userinterface to vehicle systems/other systems may comprise a display/lightarray with no sensor/sensor array. See FIGS. 19A-19D and 23B. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may comprise asensor array with no light array. See e.g. FIGS. 17B-17F and 23A.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure with covermay comprise multiple physical/structural and/or functional layers in avariety of various combinations to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant to facilitate interaction with vehicle systems andother systems/networks from the vehicle at the user interface. See e.g.FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 8A-8E, 23A-23B, 24 and 27. See also FIGS.26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure maycomprise a substrate; the composite structure may be coupled to at leastone or more components in a vehicle interior such as (a) a trimcomponent; (b) a panel; (c) a door; (d) a surface; (e) a console; (f) abase. See e.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. According to an exemplary embodimentas shown schematically and representationally in the FIGURES (and inother forms/arrangements), various layers and components may be combinedand/or arranged and integrated and/or omitted in construction of thefunctional system of the composite structure to provide a user interfacefor a vehicle interior component with vehicle systems and othersystems/networks. See e.g. FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,18A-18D, 19A-19D, 23A-23B, 24 and 27.

Cover/Exterior Surface Layer (T/TH/PC/PUR/PVC/TPO/Film/Etc.)

According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface of the exterior layeror cover may comprise or be constructed/formed/treated to provide any ofa variety of effects to facilitate any of a wide variety of visualand/or physical and/or virtual interactions with and through thecomposite structure of the vehicle interior component.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover or exteriorsurface/layer of the composite structure may be provided and configuredto provide certain properties or combinations of properties intended tofulfill design intent and/or requirements. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the exterior layer may be configured to provide thevisual/decorative appearance of the composite structure of the vehicleinterior component (e.g. provided in a color/tone and etc.); theexterior layer may exhibit properties of texture/haptic sensation (e.g.proper softness of feel) for a vehicle occupant; the exterior layer mayfunction as a barrier/membrane for the composite structure of thevehicle interior component and provide for water/liquid repellence andease of cleaning (e.g. stain resistance, dirt repellence, impregnationwith anti-stain compound, etc.); the exterior layer may be selected orconstructed to transmit light (e.g. provide translucence for light froma light source such as a display shown as an LED array in the compositestructure of the vehicle interior component); the exterior layer may beselected and constructed to present a display element or informationpanel for a user interface; the exterior layer may be selected andconstructed to function as a control panel for a user interface. Seegenerally FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 8A-8E, 11A-11F, 12A-12E, 13A-13D,14A-14E, 15A-15C, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D. See also FIGS. 24and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer may beconfigured for form and fit and function of the composite structure ofthe vehicle interior component. For example, the layer may comprise orbe provided as a fabric/textile sheet. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the fabric layer may be comprised of one or more materialsin a range of thickness between 0.2 and 0.5 mm (or any other suitablethickness). According to an exemplary embodiment, the layer may compriseor be provided from a leather material (e.g. of a type whichincorporates translucence of visible light or is selected and treated toprovide for translucence of visible light) in a thickness of a range of0.2 to 1.2 mm (or any other suitable thickness); the cover or outersurface/exterior surface may comprise any of a wide variety of materialsprovided in any of a wide variety of thickness suitable for the purpose.See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 17A-17O. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the layer may comprise or be provided as a plastic/polymaterial such as polycarbonate (e.g. in a film, layer, etc. with athickness in a range or polyurethane/vinyl (e.g. in a film, layer,etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer maycomprise or be constructed from any of a variety of other woven ornon-woven materials (e.g. fabric, textile, fiber, skin, film, etc.).According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover layer may comprise or beconstructed of materials that facilitate heat transfer and/or otherheating or cooling effects (e.g. conductivity, ventilation, Peltiereffect, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise or beconstructed of a variety of other types of materials and in a variety ofother thicknesses configured to provide the form and fit and functionfor the composite structure of the vehicle interior component. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the cover may comprise or be constructedseparately or as a composite of multiple materials and/or of treatedmaterials (e.g. coated, painted, backed, treated, multi-layer etc.) foruse in a vehicle interior. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecover may comprise or be constructed/formed to incorporate one or moreother functional layers of the composite (e.g. positioning/spacer layer,diffuser layer, heating layer, cooling layer, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer/surface orcover provides the visual/tactile physical user interface (e.g. for thehuman machine interface (HMI)) and facilitates the interaction betweenthe vehicle occupant and the vehicle through the composite structure ofthe vehicle interior component (e.g. as cover for other layers of thecomposite structure of the vehicle interior component). See e.g. FIGS.3A-3T, 17A-17O and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer or cover maycomprise or be constructed/formed/treated to provide one or more of avariety of features and/or properties such as decorative appearance,color (e.g. tone and shade), visual texture (e.g. gloss, matte, grain,uniformity, smoothness, gripping, adhesion, etc.), feel (tactilesensation, haptic sensation/functionality, firmness, softness, etc.),resilience (e.g. to wear, abrasion, touching, etc.), durability (e.g. toenvironmental conditions such as heat/cold and humidity, repellence(e.g. to spills/liquids, dirt, etc.), flexibility (e.g. stiffness,etc.), translucence, convenience (e.g. easy to maintain, ease to clean,etc.), recyclability (e.g. material selection for reuse at end of life),uniformity (e.g. visual/physical consistency with other interiorcomponents of the vehicle, etc.), thermodynamic performance (e.g.heating and/or cooling), interconnectivity (e.g. integrated withelectronic/electrical/data interfaces for other devices and componentssuch as charging and data connection), etc. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the exterior or cover layer may comprise or beconstructed/formed in a generally uniform (e.g. monolithic) form or toprovide multiple segments (e.g. with varying characteristics such asvarying uniformity, translucence, inserts such as of othertypes/materials, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically in FIGS.2A-2C, the exterior layer may comprise a cover or skin of a form andmaterial construction provides a haptic effect (e.g. including forinteraction with the sensor array) and translucent effect (including forfunction/interaction with the light array/display) to facilitateoperation of the user interface for the composite structure of thevehicle interior component (e.g. construction of cover in a manner toallow transmission of light, for example with construction of opaquematerials with voids/perforations/mesh effect, construction fromtranslucent/semi-transparent material, material that transmits light andabsorbs relatively less light from the display/light-transmissivelayer/cover, etc.). See also FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior layer showsschematically in the FIGURES as a cover T (see e.g. FIG. 2B) maycomprise a fabric/textile/fiber material; according to an exemplaryembodiment, the exterior layer may comprise a leather material shown ascover TH, synthetic material, plastic/poly material such as a film, etc.(e.g. polycarbonate PC, polyvinyl chloride PVC, polyurethane PUR,TPO/film, etc.). See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T. As shownschematically according to an exemplary embodiment, the material for thecover/exterior surface layer may facilitate touching/compression forinteraction with the user interface (e.g. sensor detection oftouch/movement and display illumination of surface/visibility). See e.g.FIGS. 12C and 17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically andrepresentationally in the FIGURES, the cover may comprise at least oneof (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grainsurface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificialleather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l)upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) anon-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r)a composite of multiple fiber materials; the cover may comprise at leastone of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e)polyvinyl material; (f) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (g) acomposite of multiple materials.

Positioning (Spacer) Layer (E)

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure maycomprise at least one positioning/spacer layer according to an exemplaryembodiment as shown in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E, 13A-13D and 16A-16T (e.g. foammaterial, fabric material, spacer fabric, fiber material, wovenmaterial, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, apositioning/spacer layer E may be configured to provide certainproperties or combinations of properties intended to fulfill designintent and/or requirements, including but not limited to touch/feel,translucence, softness/resilience, etc. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 12C and17A-17O (showing interaction at cover/surface by contact, touch, press,hover).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer layer maybe configured to provide positioning/spacing for the layers orsub-layers of the composite structure; the positioning/spacer layer mayfunction as a barrier/shield for the composite structure of the vehicleinterior component (e.g. electromagnetic interference/EMI, EMV, etc.);the positioning/spacer layer may also provide for uniform separation ofother layers to facilitate the function/operation of the compositestructure/component. According to an exemplary embodiment, thepositioning/spacer layer may be selected or constructed to transmitlight (e.g. provide translucence for light from a light source such asthe display or lighting/LED array in the composite structure).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer layer maybe configured for form and fit and function of the composite structureof the vehicle interior component. For example, the positioning layermay comprise or be provided as a fabric material (e.g. spacer fabric,etc.) or foam or polyurethane material (e.g. providing softness) or froma fiber/yarn material (e.g. woven from single yarn/fiber). According toan exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer layer may comprise or beconstructed/formed to incorporate one or more other functional layers ofthe composite structure; the positioning/spacer layer (or material) maycomprise a functional layer; the positioning/spacer layer (or material)may perform a diffuser function and/or a shield function forinterference (e.g. electrical, magnetic, etc.) or shield function forlight from the display/LED array as well as to maintain uniformity intransmission of light/illumination from the display (e.g. LEDarray/panel). See FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E and 16A-16T. See also FIG. 20H(diffuser layer for the display).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer layer maybe configured to provide separation between the cover/external surfaceand the sensor of the composite structure to facilitate the operation ofthe user interface (e.g. for the human machine interface (HMI)). Asshown schematically in FIGS. 12C, 16A-16B, 17A-17O, the positioninglayer may comprise a material that is provided in a segment configuredto compress under pressure (e.g. in a form with compliant elements thatcompress or buckle under a threshold pressure and then return to formwhen pressure is removed); the positioning layer may be formed of a foammaterial or may provide the properties of a foam material. According toan exemplary embodiment, the positioning/spacer layer may provideuniform spacing and flexibility/softness for compression/touch effectsat the user interface (e.g. to facilitate uniform operation of the userinterface) and shear resistance between layers of the compositestructure (e.g. at an interface with the cover, at an interface with thesensor array/foil, at other interfaces of the positioning/spacer layer)to facilitate proper performance of the composite structure in use. Seee.g. FIGS. 12C, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O and 27. ¬See also FIGS.26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodiment, apositioning/spacer layer may be provided at multiple positions withinthe composite structure. See e.g. FIG. 2B. At each position where thepositioning/spacer layer is provided, positioning/spacing (e.g. foruniform operation) and other functions (e.g. diffusion of light,shielding of EMI, etc.) may be performed (or other layers may providethe function of the positioning layer). See generally FIGS. 13A-13D,16A-16T and 17A-17O.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning layer may compriseat least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a shield forelectromagnetic interference; (c) a foam material; (e) a plasticmaterial.

Diffuser Layer (D)

According to an exemplary embodiment, a diffuser layer may be providedaccording to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.16A-16F and 20G-20H. According to an exemplary embodiment, the diffuserlayer may be configured to provide certain properties or combinations ofproperties intended to fulfill design intent and/or requirements,including but not limited to providing for uniformity of theillumination from the display as presented at the exterior surface ofthe cover of the composite structure. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the diffuser layer may be integrated with other layers ofthe composite structure (e.g. within the positioning/spacer layer).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the diffuser layer may compriseany materials/construction known to provide diffusion of illumination(e.g. arrangement of materials such as poly methyl methacrylate,Plexiglas, etc. with optical constituent components such as uniformspheres, etc.); the diffuser layer may be omitted and/or used with oraccording to the resolution of the display (e.g. used with a lowresolution display, omitted with a high resolution display, etc.).

Base (Carrier)/Substrate Layer (B/S)

According to an exemplary embodiment, a base/substrate may be providedfor the composite structure; the base/substrate may be provided as alayer arrangement for the composite structure (e.g. to mount orfacilitate mounting on/assembly into a vehicle interior component). Seee.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. According to an exemplary embodiment,base/substrate layer arrangement may be configured to provide certainproperties or combinations of properties intended to fulfill designintent and/or requirements, including for and fit and function.According to an exemplary embodiment, the base/substrate layerarrangement may comprise materials used for vehicle interior componentstructures and/or construction such as plastics/resins,fiber/plastic/resin composites (e.g. polypropylene, etc.), hybridmaterials (e.g. fiber/molded plastic/resin), metal, wood, etc.; thebase/substrate layer arrangement may be configured to provide amechanical structure or frame for support and stiffness and integrityfor the composite structure. See FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 16A-16T and 17A-17O.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure withbase/frame may be mounted on or assembled into a component or structurein the vehicle interior (e.g. to form a vehicle interior component). Seee.g. FIGS. 1B and 2A-2C. According to an exemplary embodiment thecomposite structure may be provided as generally flexible compositesurface (e.g. a soft/cushioned surface having a flexible form) forinstallation in a structure for a vehicle interior component orstructure (e.g. to provide rigidity/rigidification generally for thesoft/flexible composite surface/structure). See e.g. FIG. 2B.

Adhesive Material/Bond/Glue (Securing of Layers/Components)

According to an exemplary embodiment, adhesive materials such as glue(e.g. silicon glue) may be used to secure or bond layers/components ofthe composite structure together in assembly (e.g. glue, bond, adhesivefor the automotive industry or equivalent); the adhesive/glue may beselected from available commercial products that provide characteristicssuch as stability, uniformity, aging resistance, etc. According to anexemplary embodiment, alternative methods of securing layers of thecomposite structure may be employed (e.g. such as mechanicalconnections, bonding, adhesive, molding, etc. selected for thepurpose/application to provide properties suitable for use). See e.g.FIGS. 13A-13D and 16A-16T.

Display/Light/Illumination Panel/Array Layer (L)

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure maycomprise a display to provide illumination for the user interface (e.g.directed light through intermediate layers and made visible at theexterior surface of the cover of the composite structure). See e.g.FIGS. 2B-2C, 3A-3T, 8A-8E, 17J-17O, 20A-20H and 23C. See also FIGS.26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (operation of user interface).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may comprise acommercially available product such an LED/OLED panel (e.g. flexiblepanel/array sheet with light emitting device/diode elements). Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the display may comprise a lighting/displaylayer for the composite structure configured to provide certainproperties or combinations of properties intended to fulfill designintent and/or requirements (including intensity, durability,environmental conditions, flexibility, cost efficiency, flexibility,resolution, color, stability, etc.). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C and 20A-20H.According to an exemplary embodiment, a full-color display may beprovided (e.g. red/green/blue array); other optical/illumination effectsmay be incorporated into the composite structure to facilitate intendedperformance of the display for the user interface (e.g. filter,alignment, diffusion, shielding, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the lighting/display layer may beconfigured to provide the visual/decorative appearance of the compositestructure of the vehicle interior component (e.g. provided in acolor/tone and etc.); the display may be selected and operated toprovide illumination at a suitable level for operation of the userinterface; the lighting/display layer may be selected or constructed totransmit light as required for useful operation of the compositestructure (e.g. through interposed layers of material with variouslevels of translucence). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 17J-17O and 20A-20H.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure of thevehicle interior component with lighting/display may comprise multiplephysical/structural and/or functional layers in a variety of variouscombinations. See FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17J-17O, 18A-18D,19A-19D, 20A-20H and 22A-22E.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the surface of thelighting/display layer or lighting/display may comprise or beconstructed/formed/treated to provide any of a variety of effects tofacilitate any of a wide variety of visual and/or physical and/orvirtual interactions with and through the composite structure of thevehicle interior component.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may comprise acommercially available product such as a display panel, lighting array,flexible display panel, flexible array, etc. of any suitable type orform available (e.g. specified for use in an automotive environment);according to an exemplary embodiment the display may be a flexible arrayor panel with light-emitting devices/diodes (LED) (such as surface mountLED elements of 1.3 to 1.9 mm or in other spacing/resolution) arrangedin a suitable pattern and capable of providing sufficient illuminationthrough intervening layers of the composite structure. See e.g. FIGS.20A-20H.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display L of the compositestructure 10 presenting the user interface with display elements 20 maycomprise a commercially available configuration (e.g. panel, array,etc.) that may be connected to a controller/control system foroperation/functionality and interaction with vehicle systems and othersystems (e.g. data/network connectivity). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B, 20A-20H,23B, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS.16G-16H and 22A-22E, the display may be provided as a pre-assembledmodule with the sensor (and if required an intermediate/functionallayer).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the display may comprise at leastone of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen; (e)a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) a lighting device array; (h)a light-emitting device array; (i) a LED/OLED array; (j) a flexibleLED/OLED array; (k) a flexible sheet. See e.g. FIGS. 20A-20H.

Sensor/Detector Array/Panel Layer (C)

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS.21A-21F, a sensor shown as a sensor/detector layer C may be providedaccording to an exemplary embodiment. See also FIGS. 2B, 16A-16T,17A-17O and 22A-22E. According to an exemplary embodiment, thesensor/detector layer may be configured to provide certain properties orcombinations of properties intended to fulfill design intent and/orrequirements including to facilitate the user interface (e.g. withcalibration and sensitivity adjustments at the controller/controlsystem) for the composite structure. See FIGS. 21A-21F, 23A, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor shown assensor/detector layer C will be configured for form and fit and functionof the composite structure of the vehicle interior component. Forexample, the layer C may comprise or be provided as a flexible sheet orpanel commercially available for use in a composite structure and/orspecified for use in an automotive environment.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor/detector may compriseor be constructed of a variety of other types of materials and in avariety of other thicknesses configured to provide the form and fit andfunction (including sensitivity, etc.) for the composite structure ofthe vehicle interior component. According to an exemplary embodiment,the sensor/detector may comprise or be constructed separately or as acomposite of multiple materials and/or of treated materials (e.g.coated, painted, backed, treated, multi-layer etc.) for use in a vehicleinterior component. According to an exemplary embodiment, thesensor/detector may be constructed/formed to integrate functionally withother layers of the composite structure (e.g. with layers such aspositioning/spacer layer, diffuser layer, heating layer, cooling layer,etc.).

The sensor/detector layer or sensor/detector provides thepositional/tactile physical user interface (e.g. for the human machineinterface (HMI)) and facilitates the interaction by input between thevehicle occupant and the vehicle through the composite structure of thevehicle interior component (e.g. as sensor/detector for other layers ofthe composite structure of the vehicle interior component). See FIGS.17A-17O and 27. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor/detector orsensor/detector layer may comprise or be constructed/formed in agenerally uniform (e.g. monolithic) form or to provide multiple segments(e.g. with varying characteristics such as varying uniformity,translucence, inserts such as of other types/materials, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically in FIGS.16A-16T and 17A-17O, the sensor/detector layer may comprise asensor/detector or skin of a form and material construction that mayfacilitate/provide a haptic effect (e.g. including for interaction withthe sensor array/matrix) and translucent effect (including forfunction/interaction with the light array) to facilitate operation ofthe user interface for the composite structure of the vehicle interiorcomponent. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor (e.g.sensor/detector layer or sensor/detector component/system) may compriseor be constructed/formed/treated to provide any of a variety of effectsto facilitate any of a wide variety of visual and/or physical and/orvirtual interactions with and through the composite structure of thevehicle interior component. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 21A-21F. According toan exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be configured to detect inputfrom the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of thecover; as shown schematically, the sensor C may comprise a mesh/grid ofa commercially available configuration with elements shown as conductorsCW configured into an array that can be connected to acontroller/control system. See e.g. FIGS. 21A-21F, 23A, 24 and 27.According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor C of the compositestructure 10 presenting the user interface with display elements 20 maycomprise a commercially available configuration (e.g. panel, array,etc.) that may be connected to a controller/control system foroperation/functionality and interaction with vehicle systems and othersystems (e.g. data/network connectivity). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B, 21A-21F,23A, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may comprise a sensorarray/grid such as a projected capacitive touch sensor foil. See FIGS.21A-21F. As indicated, the sensitivity of the sensor may be adjusted(e.g. detection of user input such as by finger touch/proximity in arange from 1 to 6 mm, for example). According to an exemplaryembodiment, the sensor may comprise or be constructed from any suitabletechnology calibrated to function with the composite structure(including other layers/materials), such as capacitive touch sensor,projected capacitive touch foil/array, resistive grid/array, surfaceacoustic sensor, pressure transducer/sensor array, infrared grid,matrix, etc. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS.16G-16H and 22A-22E, the sensor may be provided as a pre-assembledmodule with the display (and if required an intermediate/functionallayer).

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.23A-23B, 24 and 27 (block/flow diagrams of operation of thecontroller/user interface), the vehicle occupant may interact andoperate the user interface through the sensor (and display); suitablecontact and movement from the vehicle occupant would be calibrated tocorrespond to commands through a control panel provided by the userinterface (e.g. conventional movements, touching, tapping, whipping,hovering, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, a menu featuringsystem/controls may be provided at the user interface to facilitate anddirect a vehicle occupant/user to activate and interact through the userinterface system. See e.g. FIGS. 25A-25D.

As shown schematically, the sensor may be calibrated to detect touch andmovement (e.g. from a hand/finger) of a vehicle occupant to generalinput. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (flow diagrams ofoperation of the user interface).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may comprise at leastone of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touchpanel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector;(i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel. See FIGS.17A-17O and 21A-21F.

Functional Layer (N/HS)

A functional layer may be provided according to an exemplary embodimentas shown in FIGS. 2B and 16A-16T. According to an exemplary embodiment,the functional layer N may be configured to provide certain propertiesor combinations of functions/properties intended to fulfill designintent and/or requirements including but not limited to thermalmanagement, structural form, spacing/positioning, etc.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer may beconfigured for form and fit and function of the composite structure ofthe vehicle interior component. According to an exemplary embodiment,the functional layer may comprise a developed/designed or anintegrated/purchased component (for example) or be constructed of avariety of other types of materials and in a variety of otherthicknesses configured to provide the form and fit and function for thecomposite structure of the vehicle interior component. According to anexemplary embodiment, the functional layer may comprise or beconstructed separately or as a composite of multiple materials and/or oftreated materials (e.g. coated, painted, backed, treated, multi-layeretc.) for use in a vehicle interior. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the functional layer may comprise or be constructed/formedto incorporate one or more other functional layers of the composite(e.g. positioning/spacer layer, diffuser layer, heating layer, coolinglayer, etc.)

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer or functionallayers may provide the composite structure with functions to support theconstruction of a visual/tactile physical user interface (e.g. for thehuman machine interface (HMI)) and may facilitate the interactionbetween the vehicle occupant and the vehicle through the compositestructure of the vehicle interior component (e.g. as functional layerfor other layers of the composite structure of the vehicle interiorcomponent). See also FIGS. 12A-12H, 13A-13D, 16A-16T and 22A-22E.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer or functionallayer may comprise or be constructed/formed/treated to provide one ormore of a variety of features and/or properties such as feel (tactilesensation/feedback, haptic sensation/functionality, firmness, softness,etc.), resilience (e.g. to wear, abrasion, touching, etc.), durability(e.g. to environmental conditions such as heat/cold and humidity,repellence (e.g. to spills/liquids, dirt, etc.), flexibility (e.g.stiffness, etc.), translucence, convenience (e.g. easy to maintain, easeto clean, etc.), recyclability (e.g. material selection for reuse at endof life), uniformity (e.g. visual/physical consistency with otherinterior components of the vehicle, etc.), thermodynamic performance(e.g. heating and/or cooling), interconnectivity (e.g. integrated withelectronic/electrical/data interfaces for other devices and componentssuch as charging and data connection), etc. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C,3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D and 27. See also FIGS. 13A-13D, 16A-16T and24.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown schematically in theFIGURES, the functional layer may comprise a functionalstructure/component, grid/array, skin/sheet, form, materialconstruction, etc. to perform an intended function; the functional layermay be configured to provide a haptic effect (e.g. including forinteraction with the sensor array) and translucent effect (including forfunction/interaction with the light array) to facilitate operation ofthe user interface for the composite structure of the vehicle interiorcomponent (e.g. integrating a system/mechanism such as an actuator,transducer, panel, speaker, audio component, electronics/electricalcircuit/device, etc.). See FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F,7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 24, 25A-25D and27.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the functional layer may beconfigured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) hapticfeedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedbacksuch as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h)electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electricalcharging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion orbonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing the Peltier effect; (t) diffusion ofillumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w)alerting; (x) messaging. The functional layer may be at least partiallyintegrated with at least one of (a) the cover; (b) the positioninglayer; (c) a substrate of the composite structure.

According to an exemplary embodiment the functional layer may compriseand/or perform any of a wide range of functions with any of a variety ofselected materials/structures and/or integrated composition/structures.

Exemplary Embodiments—I

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A, a vehicle V is shown including aninterior I with a floor console, overhead systems/headliner, aninstrument panel/cockpit, doors and seats. According to an exemplaryembodiment, interior components/trim components of vehicle V such asconsoles (e.g. floor, overhead, etc.), panels (e.g. instrument, door,overhead, side, wall, etc.), structures (frames, pillars, etc.), systems(cockpit, instrument, entertainment, display, overhead, visor, etc.),other surfaces/trim, seats, etc. may include composite structure 10 withdisplay element 20 (e.g. shown as visible covers/surfaces orpanels/sections in various configurations and locations for the vehicleinterior). See FIGS. 1B and 2A.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS.2A-2C, a vehicle interior component with a composite structure withcover 10 with display element 20 (e.g. with exterior surface/cover) foran interior/trim component may provide a user interface that maycomprise an input/output system (e.g. with sensor/detector of movementand/or touch sensitive layer to function as an input device in a layerarrangement/construction with a display for electronic visualdata/information such as from vehicle/other information processingsystems). As shown schematically in FIG. 2B, according to an exemplaryembodiment the composite structure 10 with display element 20 for avehicle interior component such as a floor console FC may comprise acover shown as translucent cover surface T (e.g. fabric, leather, etc.),a functional positioning/spacer layer E (e.g. a foam material), a foamlayer F (e.g. a compliant/resilient foam material), a sensor C (e.g.shown as a sensor array/foil), a display L (e.g. shown as a lightingarray/LED array); as shown according to an exemplary embodiment in FIG.2C, a door assembly/panel DP may comprise a composite structure 10 withdisplay element 20 constructed to provide a user interface. See alsoFIGS. 3A-3T. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compositestructure for the vehicle interior component provides a user interfaceat which a user such as a vehicle occupant may interact by input such ascontrol commands with the vehicle systems and other systems/networks(e.g. information processing system) through detected (e.g. simple touchor multi-touch or hover/movement or other) gestures including bytouching the exterior surface of the composite structure (e.g. exteriorsurface/cover). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E,9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E and 15A-15C. See also FIGS. 16A-16T,17A-17O, 24 and 27.

As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, a console shown as a centerconsole 100 provides a composite structure with cover 110 (e.g. exteriorsurface on composite structure comprising layers) to provide a userinterface with a display comprising display elements that may bepositionable/repositionable and configured to interact with user input;according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure with cover110 may comprise a sensor such as a touch sensitive layer (e.g. sensorgrid/foil for composite structure). See also FIGS. 8A-8E, 9A-9F, 10A-10Eand 15A-15C (implementation for a vehicle interior component such as apanel/door panel).

As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T according to an exemplaryembodiment, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) engages thecover of the composite structure 110 to activate a user interfaceproviding a display shown as an electronic visual display 120. See e.g.FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplaryembodiment, user interface shown as comprising a display such as anelectronic visual display 120 may display a menu or control panelproviding various/multiple buttons for operating controllingvarious/multiple vehicle systems (e.g. features of a vehicle such asopening or closing a window, adjusting the setting of a heating,ventilating, and air conditioning system (HVAC), adjusting the speed ofcruise control, operating navigation system, etc.) or for interactingwith other systems/networks (e.g. data sources, entertainment, mobiledevices, etc.). See also FIGS. 14A-14E, 15C, 25A-25B and 27. As shownschematically in FIGS. 3D and 3E, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the fingerof hand H) engages the surface of the cover of the composite structure110 to deactivate electronic visual display 120. See e.g. FIGS. 26A-26B,27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS.3A-3T, a wide variety of visual effects may be presented by thecomposite structure by activation of the display and illuminationthrough the composite structure to cover/exterior surface 110. As shownin FIGS. 3H through 3J, the user interface from the composite structuremay present a display element 120 shown as icon (e.g. for mobiletelephone) that may be repositioned (e.g. by drag/drop action) on thecover/exterior surface by a user; as shown in FIG. 3J, data/informationfrom the mobile device/system may be used to interact/interoperate thesystem within the vehicle (e.g. to conduct a telephone call, use networkdata communications, connect with data on a mobile device, etc.). Asshown schematically in FIGS. 3K-3O and 3P-3T according to an exemplaryembodiment, the user interface may be positioned (and repositioned)selectively by a vehicle occupant by contacting the exteriorsurface/cover of the composite structure at a position so that the userinterface display (e.g. display elements such as a menu, icons, symbols,text, graphics, text/image display, etc.) appear at the position (e.g.toward the front of the structure as in FIGS. 3P-3T or toward the backof the structure as in FIGS. 3K-3O); the user may activate the userinterface (e.g. switch from sleep/inactive mode to active mode) asindicated in FIGS. 3K and 3P; the user may deactivate the user interface(e.g. switch from active mode to sleep/inactive mode) as indicated inFIGS. 3O and 3T. See also FIGS. 17A-17O, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and29A-29B.

As shown schematically in the FIGURES, the user interface provided bythe composite structure may be configured for interaction with any of awide variety of vehicle systems and other systems/networks and data(e.g. by presenting a control panel, menu system, buttons, icons, etc.).See e.g. FIGS. 24 and 27. As shown schematically in FIGS. 4A and 4B, thevehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button ondisplay of user interface 120 to control a window W of a door 200 tomove towards an open position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 4C and4D, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a buttonon display of user interface 120 to control window W of door 200 to movetowards a closed position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 4E and 4F,the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button ondisplay of user interface 120 to control a heating, ventilating, and airconditioning system of the vehicle. As shown schematically in FIGS. 5Aand 5B, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press abutton on display of user interface 120 to adjust the fore-and-aftposition of a seat ST. As shown schematically in FIGS. 5C and 5D, thevehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button ondisplay of user interface 120 to adjust the angle of the backrest ofseat ST. As shown schematically in FIGS. 5E and 5F, the vehicle occupant(e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button on display of userinterface 120 to adjust the height of seat ST.

As shown schematically in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the vehicle occupant (e.g.the finger of hand H) may press a button on display of user interface120 to turn on and off thermal management system such as a front windowdefroster for the vehicle. As shown schematically in FIGS. 6C and 6D,the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press a button ondisplay of user interface 120 to operate an automatic speed controlsystem (e.g. cruise control system, etc.) for the vehicle. As shownschematically in FIGS. 6E and 6F, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the fingerof hand H) may press a button on display of user interface 120 to lockand unlock doors of the vehicle.

As shown schematically in FIG. 7A, door 200 may provide a compositestructure with cover of component structure 210; cover of componentstructure 210 may present a user interface; the user interface maycomprise a contact/touch sensitive interface according to an exemplaryembodiment. As shown schematically in FIG. 7B, vehicle occupant (e.g.using hand H) taps cover of component structure 210 to activate thedisplay of user interface within cover of component structure 210. Asshown schematically in FIG. 7C, cover of component structure 210 isdimly lit; cover of component structure 210 may provide lighting for thevehicle interior according to an exemplary embodiment. As shownschematically in FIGS. 7D and 7E, vehicle occupant (e.g. using hand H)taps cover of component structure 210 to intensify the lighting for thevehicle interior. As shown schematically in FIG. 7F, vehicle occupant(e.g. using hand H) taps cover of component structure 210 to switch offthe lighting on door 200. As shown schematically in FIGS. 8A, 8C and 8D,the composite structure with cover on door 200 may be partiallyilluminated/lit; the cover of door 200 may be partially illuminated todisplay various messages (e.g. the temperature setting of the heating,ventilating, and air conditioning system (HVAC), the weather, etc.) SeeFIG. 8E. As shown schematically in FIG. 8A, the composite structure withcover on door 200 displays a text message. As shown schematically inFIG. 8C, the composite structure with cover on door 200 displays thetemperature setting of the heating, ventilating, and air conditioningsystem (HVAC). As shown schematically in FIG. 8D, the compositestructure with cover on door 200 displays the weather information.According to an exemplary embodiment, the display of user interface ofdoor 200 may provide display corresponding to the display of a mobiledevice. As shown schematically in FIG. 8B, the cover of the compositestructure may be illuminated with various intensities according to anexemplary embodiment (e.g. according to purpose, function, ambientconditions, etc.).

As shown schematically in FIGS. 9A to 9E, door 200 may provide acomposite structure with cover; composite structure 210 may comprise asensor such as a touch sensitive layer/panel according to an exemplaryembodiment. As shown schematically in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the vehicleoccupant (e.g. by finger of hand H) may touch/tap/press on cover ofcomponent structure 210 to activate the display of the user interfaceshown as display of user interface 220 presented at cover of componentstructure 210. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B.According to an exemplary embodiment, display of user interface 220 maydisplay multiple buttons/icons for controlling various features of thevehicle (e.g. opening or closing a window, adjusting the setting of aheating, ventilating, and air conditioning system (HVAC), adjusting thespeed of cruise control, operating navigation system, etc.). As shownschematically in FIGS. 9D and 9E, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the fingerof hand H) may tap cover of component structure 210 to deactivatedisplay of user interface 220. See also FIGS. 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and29A-29B.

As shown schematically in the FIGURES, the user interface of thecomposite structure may provide a control panel providing controlelements such as buttons, icons, etc. for a vehicle occupant to interactwith vehicle systems and other systems. See e.g. FIGS. 14A-14E, 15C,26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. As shown schematically in FIGS. 10Aand 10B, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press abutton on display of user interface 220 to control window W of door 200to move towards the open position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 10Cand 10D, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press abutton on display of user interface 220 to control window W of door 200to move towards the closed position. As shown schematically in FIGS. 10Eand 10F, the vehicle occupant (e.g. the finger of hand H) may press abutton on display of user interface 220 to adjust the position of a sideview mirror. According to an exemplary embodiment, the visual displaymay be configured to appear at the location where the finger taps thecover. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T and 14A-14E.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the FIGURES, the userinterface may be configured to facilitate use and operation of vehiclesystems and other devices/system within a vehicle (e.g. smart phone,tablet, etc.). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 11A-11F, 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28Eand 29A-29B. As shown schematically in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a vehicleoccupant/user may place a mobile device (e.g. smart phone, tablet, etc.)shown as a phone PH on center console 100 providing the user interfacefrom the composite structure with cover 110. As shown schematically inFIG. 11C, a vehicle occupant at composite structure for cover 110 (e.g.surface for composite structure) activates user interface 120 toilluminate around phone PH. As shown schematically in FIG. 11D, displayof user interface 120 may be configured to display the music interfaceof phone PH. As indicated schematically in FIG. 11E, vehicle occupant(e.g. using hand H) may slide on cover of composite structure 110 toadjust the volume setting for the music interface; operation may befacilitated by presentation of a control panel/information as indicatedin FIG. 11F. See also FIGS. 14A-14E, 15C, 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and29A-29B (menu/flow diagrams of operation of systems at user interface).

As shown schematically in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the composite structurewith cover may comprise an arrangement of layers/construction tofacilitate implementation of a user interface for the vehicle interiorcomponent; for example, a composite structure may comprise a cover/layerT, a layer HS, a layer E, a layer C, a layer F, a layer D, a layer L, anlayer B, and a layer S arranged to provide a combined function and fitand form for an application (e.g. vehicle interior). See also FIGS. 2B,16A-16T and 18A-18E (other arrangements of layers/components ofcomposite structure). According to an exemplary embodiment, layer F is afoam layer; the foam layer may provide comfort for vehicle occupantsaccording to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplaryembodiment, layer L is a display such as an electronic visualdisplay/lighting element shown as a LED display; layer D may beconfigured to diffuse the light from the LED display; according to anexemplary embodiment, the size and/or quantity of the LED element may beadapted for various applications. According to an exemplary embodiment,layer S is a substrate or carrier for the cover; according to anexemplary embodiment, a layer B may be configured to bond the LEDdisplay to the carrier or substrate (e.g. a glue or bond layer). Seegenerally FIGS. 12A-12E and 16A-16T.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure with covermay provide a functional layer configured to provide haptic or otheruser feedback (e.g. audible, tactile, etc.). See FIGS. 16A-16C (showinga functional layer N/HS). According to an exemplary embodiment, thefunctional layer may comprise other functional systems/components orlayers operated by a control system. See also FIGS. 12B and 16A-16E(composite structure with layers including sensor C and display L andfunctional layer N/HS and control system). According to an exemplaryembodiment, sensor C is shown as a touch sensitive layer in the form ofa capacitive touch panel (i.e. an input device for an informationprocessing system). According to an exemplary embodiment, the compositestructure may also provide a layer for heating the surface of thecomposite structure (e.g. layer HS shown in FIGS. 12A-12C). According toan exemplary embodiment, layer HS may provide a functional/compositelayer with heating coils/resistors configured to heat the cover and/orthe vicinity of the cover; layer HS is optional according to anexemplary embodiment. See FIG. 12A. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the composite structure may also provide a soft layer (e.g.a foam layer F) for providing comfort for the user. See FIGS. 12A to 12Cand 16A to 16C. According to an exemplary embodiment, the exterior/coversurface layer may comprise a cover/textile layer T (e.g. fabric, fiber,etc. or leather/other similar material construction) configured to betransparent or translucent (e.g. a material/sheet or film that ispartially transparent/partially opaque, translucent to visible light,etc. to facilitate transmission of visible light from the display (e.g.light-transmissive material)). See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 17A-17O and 23C. Asindicated schematically in FIGS. 12A-12C and 16A-16C, the compositestructure may be configured to provide a user interface from display Land sensor C at the exterior surface of cover T. As shown schematicallyin FIGS. 12D and 16D, the user interface may comprise an electronicvisual display shown as a LED display panel; as shown schematically inFIG. 16E, the user interface may comprise a sensor shown as sensorarray/grid C. According to an exemplary embodiment, layer E apositioning/spacer layer and may be configured to reduce or shieldelectrical interference (e.g. reduce interference between electronicsystems/networks if necessary or useful); layer E may be optionalaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 12Band 16B, the composite structure with user interface system includes acontrol system; the control system (i.e. an information processingsystem) is connected to the LED display (layer L), the capacitive touchpanel (layer C), and composite layer with heating coils/resistors (layerHS). See FIGS. 16A-16T (composite structure with layers including forsensor C and for display L and with functional layer N/HS and controlsystem).

As indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS.1B and 2A-2C, the composite structure providing the user interface maybe formed/conformed to fit on and over any of a wide variety of vehicleinterior components having any of a wide variety of forms andshapes/contour. See also FIGS. 18A-18D (showing schematically a flexibleconstruction of the composite structure to be contoured/conformed to theform of a base or interior component).

Operation of the User Interface/Composite Structure

According to an exemplary embodiment, operation of vehicle interiorcomponent providing a composite structure with a user interface forvehicle systems and other systems/devices and data/network connectivityis shown schematically in FIGS. 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B(block and flow diagrams outlining the function and operation at theuser interface according to an exemplary embodiment). According to anexemplary embodiment the composite structure may comprise (a) a coverproviding an exterior surface; (b) a sensor; (c) a display; the sensormay be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at thecover; the display may be configured to provide illumination (such as adisplay element, menu, image, text, etc.) visible through thetranslucent cover. See FIGS. 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O and18A-18D (e.g. showing various composite structure/layer arrangementsaccording to an exemplary embodiment).

According to an exemplary embodiment, a system/method of operating theuser interface may comprise the steps of (a) pressing the cover so inputcan be detected by the sensor; and (b) contacting the cover where inputcan be detected by the sensor. See FIGS. 17A-17O. See also FIGS.26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodimentas indicated schematically in FIGS. 24 and 27, activation/deactivationand use/operation of the user interface presented by the compositestructure of the vehicle interior component for interaction with vehiclesystems may be performed by a vehicle occupant according to asystem/method with detection of pressure, contact, movement, etc. (seegenerally FIGS. 3A-3T, 14A-14E, 15C and 25A-25D); according to anexemplary embodiment, pressing the cover/surface may comprisecompressing/deforming the composite structure to actuate the userinterface (see FIGS. 17J-17K with activation/positioning of illuminationat surface of user interface); contacting the cover may operate and/orposition a control provided at the user interface (see FIGS. 17L-17Mwith positioning and dragging/repositioning of illumination at surfaceof user interface); hovering/movement at the cover surface may operateor position a control provided at user interface (see FIGS. 17N-17O withrelocation of illumination at surface of user interface). See generallyFIGS. 17A-17O.

Operation of the user interface presented by the composite structureaccording to an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E,15A-15C. See also FIGS. 24 and 27. As indicated schematically accordingto an exemplary embodiment, the user interface may be configured for avariety of types of interaction with vehicle systems/other systemsincluding visual display of information/images, audioinformation/recording, video information/recording, touch/feel/hapticinteraction, mobile device connectivity, vehicle systemconnectivity/control, network/data connectivity (including to externalnetworks such as the internet), ambient/vehicle environment modificationand control (e.g. lighting/color, decorative effects, thermalmanagement, etc.), etc. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F,6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 12C, 14A-14E, 15A-15C,16A-16T, 17A-17O, 25A-25D and 27. See also FIGS. 23A-23B, 24, 26A-26B,28A-28E and 29A-29B.

Operation of the user interface presented by the composite structureaccording to an exemplary embodiment with a menu system as shown inFIGS. 25A-25D is indicated schematically in flow diagrams. See FIGS.26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. As indicated schematically accordingto an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 26A-26B and 29A-29B, the userinterface may comprise a set of interaction options/functions presentedat a display element shown as menu system such as interaction heating(e.g. heating/cooling/ventilation system operation andindicators/monitoring for the vehicle interior), interaction lighting(e.g. decorative/ambient and functional/other lighting for theinterior), interaction audio (e.g. entertainment system connectivity topresent music, etc.), interaction visible environment (e.g.video/display system to present information regarding the environment ofthe vehicle operation such as camera images/video recorded in real-time,data images/video from storage/streaming from network, map androad/street information such as for navigation or reference,landscape/other ambient imagery, etc.). See also FIGS. 24, 27 and28A-28E (interaction with menu system).

As indicated generally and schematically in FIGS. 1B, 2A, 24 and 27,according to an exemplary embodiment the user interface presented bydisplay/control elements 20 of the composite structure 10 of the vehicleinterior component may constructed (e.g. from layers/materials andcomponents) and may be adapted to facilitate a wide variety of types ofinteraction with any of a wide variety of vehicle systems and othersystems and networks/data. See also FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E, 13A-13D, 16A-16T,17A-17O, 18A-18D and 19A-19D.

Exemplary Embodiments—II

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS. 2B and30A, the component with composite structure 10 may designed/constructedand assembled to generally integrate with vehicle interior components infit, form and function (e.g. with size, contour, shape, etc. for theinterior/systems of the vehicle). See also FIGS. 1B, 2A, 2C, 12A-12C,13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30B-30C, 31A-31B, 32, 33and 34A-34C. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment as shownschematically in FIGS. 2B and 30A, the component/composite structure 10may comprise a cover layer T (e.g. translucent/semi-transparent ineffect composite/surface layer such as textile/fabric layer providing acover or a leather material, fiber material, etc. or a poly/plastic filmcover material, etc.), a functional layer shown as layer E/F/N (e.g.which may provide one function or more functions of a positioning layerE such as by separation, spacing, positioning, etc. andcushioning/compliance layer F such as by a foam material, fabricmaterial, etc. and functionality from a functional layer N such as forheat exchanger/heating element/cooling, electrical interferenceprotection/shielding, electronic connectivity, power interconnection forcharging devices, etc.), a sensor/detector component C shown asproviding a system/array (e.g. matrix, grid, etc.) to detect input suchas touch/proximity or movement/gesture from a user/vehicle occupant(e.g. a detection system, touch-sensitive array, capacitive touchsurface as used with touch-screen devices or other touch-sensitivematerial, sensor array to detect proximity/motion above the surface,etc.), a functional layer E/F/N (such as to provide shielding, lightdirection/diffusion such as may alter the amplitude/magnitude or colorof transmitted light), a display shown as light array/display layer Lsuch as comprising a material substrate with an array of lightingdevices (e.g. such as light-emitting device/diode elements), a bondingor backing/rigidifying/attachment layer for a base/structure orsubstrate S (such as a molded or formed plastic base/structure for avehicle interior component). See also FIGS. 12A-12E, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30A-30C, 31A-31B, 32, 33 and 34A-34C. As indicatedschematically in the FIGURES, according to an exemplary embodiment thelayers/components of the composite structure will be selected andcombined/assembled to facilitate the transmission of illumination/lightfrom the display to and through the cover/exterior surface (e.g. withlight-transmissive layer/cover to present the user interface such aswith display elements 20 and 20 x). See e.g. FIGS. 2B-2C and 17J-17O,19C and 30B.

According to an exemplary embodiment including but not limited to asindicated schematically in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12C, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O,18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30A-30C, 31A-31B, 32, 33 and 34A-34C, the compositestructure (e.g. with cover/surface) may provide any of a wide variety ofcombinations of layers. For example, as indicated schematically in FIG.13D, the structure/surface may be provided as a composite structure witha cover T and light array layer L which may be configured to beattachable to a base layer B or substrate layer S (e.g. for connectionto a panel or component in a vehicle interior, etc.). For example, asindicated schematically in FIGS. 30A-30C and 34A-34B, thestructure/surface may be provided as a composite structure with a coverT and diffuser layer D and sensor/detector layer C and positioning layerE and light array layer L and which may be configured to be attachableto a substrate layer S (e.g. for connection to a panel or component in avehicle interior, etc.) and a base layer B. See also FIG. 34C. Forexample, as indicated schematically in FIG. 31A, the structure/surfacemay be provided as a composite structure with a cover T/TH and diffuserlayer D and sensor/detector layer C and positioning/functional layer E/Nand light array layer L and a substrate layer S (e.g. for connection toa panel or component in a vehicle interior directly and/or through abase layer, etc.). For example, as indicated schematically in FIG. 31B,the structure/surface may be provided as a composite structure with acover T and sensor/detector layer C and positioning/functional layer E/Nand light array layer L and a substrate layer S (e.g. for connection toa panel or component in a vehicle interior directly and/or through abase layer, etc.). For example, as indicated schematically in FIG. 32,the structure/surface may be provided as a composite structure with acover T and diffuser layer D and sensor/detector layer C andpositioning/functional layer E/N and light array layer L and which maybe configured to be attachable to a base layer B or substrate layer S(e.g. for connection to a panel or component in a vehicle interior,etc.) and base/functional layer B (which may comprises a structureand/or a functional component). For example, as indicated schematicallyin FIG. 33, the structure/surface may be provided as a compositestructure (operated by a control system) with a cover T and diffuserlayer D and sensor/functional/detector layer C/N/PS andpositioning/foam/functional layer E/F/N and light array layer L andwhich may be configured to be attachable to a base layer B (e.g. forconnection to a panel or component in a vehicle interior, etc.) and witha camera CM and/or proximity detector PS as a sensor. See also FIGS. 2Aand 3A-3T.

According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated schematically in FIGS.2A and 3A-3T, the composite structure (e.g. with cover/surface) maycomprise a layered construction selected for a particular purpose for avehicle interior component with each layer in a form configured for thepurpose (e.g. in construction, thickness, positioning, etc.). See e.g.FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D, 19A-19D, 30A-30C, 31A-31B,32, 33 and 34A-34C. As indicated schematically, according to anexemplary embodiment the composite structure will be configured toprovide intended functionality through the combination of layersarranged and constructed for the purpose (e.g. includingtranslucence/semi-transparence to facilitate illumination from thedisplay layer at the user interface presented on the surface of thecomposite structure) to present the user interface for vehicle/othersystems. See FIGS. 12C, 17J-17O, 24, 27, 30B and 34C.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in the FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C,3A-3T and 8A-8D, the composite structure 10 with a cover/exteriorsurface is configured to present user interface with sensor and displayproviding display elements 20 (e.g. icons, symbols, texts, images,panels, charging/connectivity for mobile devices, decorative effects,etc.) and connectivity to vehicle/other systems and networks; asindicated schematically, the composite structure 10 with displayelements 20 at the user interface provides for integration (e.g.physically, visually, mechanically, electronically, etc.) with a widevariety of interior components and systems of the vehicle. See alsoFIGS. 30B and 34C. As shown schematically in the FIGS. 2A-2C, 30A-30C,33 and 34A-34C, according to an exemplary embodiment, the compositestructure with user interface may be integrated in or on a vehicleinterior component in a manner to provide an appearance and feelprovided by the cover/exterior surface and compliant/resilient layersbeneath the cover. See also FIGS. 3A-3T, 12C and 17A-17O (e.g. compositestructure provides for compliant pressure/compression, touch/contact atsurface and movement/detection at proximity of sensor). According to anexemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T and 17A-17O, thecover/exterior surface of the composite structure may provide tactilefeedback (e.g. shear/sliding feel) in response to contact/movement bythe vehicle occupant detected by the sensor to facilitate accurate andconvenient use/operation by touch/contact in interaction with theinterface; according to an exemplary embodiment the sensor may beconfigured to detect gestures/movement adjacent to the cover/exteriorsurface of the composite structure in interaction with the userinterface. See also FIGS. 27 and 34C. Compare FIG. 33 (showingconfiguration of component/composite structure with control system andsensor as external camera CM and/or proximity detector PS).

As shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F,8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E, 15A-15C, 25A-25D, 27, 33 and34B, according to an exemplary embodiment, the composite structure maybe configured to provide a system and method of operating the userinterface with vehicle systems and other systems/networks from thevehicle interior component. See also FIGS. 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and29A-29B (functional subsystem operation according to an exemplaryembodiment). According to an exemplary embodiment indicatedschematically in FIGS. 2B and 30A-30B, the composite structure for thevehicle interior component may be constructed to provide acover/exterior surface to present a user interface and to providefeatures (e.g. by material design/selection, component design/selection,assembly/layering, etc.) suitable for a vehicle interior such as systemintegration (user/system compatibility and connectivity), decorativeappearance (look, form and shape), color/texture, softness/firmness(including combination of soft/firm by thickness, placement, etc.),feel/touch/haptic sensation (by material/component selection, assembly,thickness, etc.), resistance to dirt/stains (by cover, treatment, etc.),repellence to water/fluids (by cover, treatment, etc.), convenient tomaintain/clean (by form, cover, treatment, etc.), etc. See generallyFIGS. 3A-3T and 9A-9E.

According to an exemplary embodiment as indicated schematically in FIGS.1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 14A-14F, 15A-15C, 17K-17O, 19C, 25A-25D, 30A-30B and34B, the composite structure may provide a user interface system forvehicle systems and other systems/devices and data/network connectivity.See also FIGS. 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F,11A-11E, 24, 27 and 33. As indicated schematically in FIGS. 12B,19A-19D, 23A-23B, 24, 27, 33 and 34B, the composite structure may beprovided with a control system (e.g. a computing or computer-based ormicroprocessor or data system such as with a computing device configuredto monitor and control performance of functional subsystems of thestructure/surface sensor C and display L) to provide theinterconnectivity and the control/functional interface with vehiclesystems and other systems/devices and data/networks (e.g. access to datasources on the vehicle/in the vehicle and external to the vehicle,on-vehicle network/networks, external networks including the internet,etc.). See also FIGS. 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B (functionalsubsystem operation according to an exemplary embodiment). According toan exemplary embodiment as indicated schematically in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24,27, 33 and 34B, the controller/control system for the user interface ofthe composite structure may comprise a control program and dataconnection (e.g. to networks including the internet, devices such asmobile devices, smart phones and tablets, data sources/storage, vehiclesystems/subsystems, etc.); the controller/control system for the userinterface of the composite structure may be configured with input/outputinterfaces to provide functionality for the vehicle occupant asindicated (for example) in FIGS. 23A-23B, 24 and 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28Eand 29A-29B. See also FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C and 3A-3T.

As indicated schematically in FIGS. 3A-3T, 24, 27 and 30B, according toan exemplary embodiment, the composite structure may be configured toprovide a display element and/or control element appearing as a visualimage/information content on the exterior/show surface of the cover; thedisplay element/control element may be configured for interaction withan occupant of the vehicle; for example, an image may appear as adisplay element and present a control element such as a switch toactuate one or more vehicle systems and subsystems (e.g. by interfacethrough or with the control system and vehicle systems/subsystems suchas shown for example in FIGS. 4A-4F [HVAC/user comfort/ventilation/powerwindow system, etc.], FIGS. 5A-5F [seating system], FIGS. 6A-6F [seatheating/defrost control, speed control, door/window locks, etc.]). Seealso FIGS. 11A-11F, 15C, 25A-25D, 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B(functional subsystem operation through the user interface according toan exemplary embodiment).

As indicated schematically in FIGS. 2B, 7A-7F and 30A-30B, the compositestructure with cover/surface 10 may provide a variety of selectiveappearances (e.g. color/shading, lighting/intensity,decoration/decorative effect, etc.) of a display element 20 (e.g. menu,image, text, etc.); as indicated schematically in FIGS. 8A-8E and 15C,the composite structure may provide as display/control elements 20 avariety of visual images/effects including communications (e.g.indicators, functional displays, information display, data display,visual effect, messaging, notices/notifications, symbols,switches/controls, user interface, graphics, etc.). As indicatedschematically in the FIGURES, communications/visual effects that mayappear on the composite structure may be provided from any of a varietyof systems/subsystems and data sources (e.g. including vehiclesystems/subsystems, vehicle data, vehicle operation/instrumentation,network-data, mobile devices, etc.). See FIGS. 24, 27 and 33. Forexample, as indicated according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 8Athrough 8D, the composite structure may provide data as to a vehiclesystem (e.g. “DOOR AJAR”) or temperature (e.g. “20 C”) or weather (e.g.by text and/or image) or a selected visual effect (e.g. two-tone panel)on a vehicle interior component. See also FIG. 30B.

As indicated schematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS.3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E,14A-14E, 15A-15C and 33, the occupant of the vehicle may through theuser interface of the composite structure interact with and/or operateand control any of a variety of systems/subsystems on the vehicle and/orother devices in or connected to the vehicle (e.g. mobile phone, tablet,data/computing devices, accessories, equipment, etc.). See also FIGS.24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. For example, as indicated in FIGS.9A-9E and 10A-10E, the composite structure may provide a control element(e.g. at a designated or selective location on an interior component)for window control or exterior mirror control; as indicatedschematically according to an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 11A-11E thecomposite structure may provide a control interface for a mobile devicePH such as a mobile/smart phone (e.g. providing telephony connection,data/internet connection, music/audio player connection, etc. bynear-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other dataconnectivity) for a vehicle occupant. See also FIGS. 3A-3T and 14A-14E.

As indicated schematically in the FIGURES, according to an exemplaryembodiment the composite structure may be provided in any of a widevariety of forms to provide any of a wide variety of features andfunctions for a vehicle interior/component (e.g. with variouscombinations of layers of various types of materials/layers as indicatedschematically). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 18A-18D, 19A-19D and30A-30B. According to an exemplary embodiment the vehicle interiorcomponent with composite structure provides a user interface system toprovide various functions and features for a vehicle/vehicle occupant asindicated schematically in the FIGURES; the composite structure/userinterface system provides a visual display (through display lightelement array/matrix/grid layer L); the user interface/control (througha functional layer such as with the sensor providing a touch-sensitivelayer C) so that information can be presented on the composite structure(such as surface 110/120) through a display of visual image/informationfor enhanced user interaction in a vehicle interior. See e.g. FIGS.3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11F 14A-14E, 27and 30B.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, 14A-14Eand 16A-16T, a vehicle interior component may be configured to provide auser interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehiclesystems; the component may comprise a composite structure 10 withdisplay/control elements 20 configured to provide the user interface.See also FIG. 30B. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the component may comprise (a) a cover providing anexterior surface; (b) a sensor; (c) a display; (d) a functional layer;the cover may comprise a translucent layer. See e.g. FIGS. 2B, 16A-16Tand 30A. According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically inFIGS. 17A-17O, 27, 33 and 34C, the sensor may be configured to detectinput from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surfaceof the cover; the display may be configured to provide illumination atleast partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover;operation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise atleast one of (a) output from illumination from the display and (b) inputdetected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 14A-14E, 24 and 25A-25D.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, the covermay comprise a translucent layer; the sensor may be configured to detectinput from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surfaceof the cover; the display may be configured to provide illumination atleast partially visible through the exterior surface of the cover. Seee.g. FIGS. 2B, 14A-14F, 15A-15C, 17K-17O, 19C, 25A-25D and 30B.According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, thefunctional layer may be configured for at least one of (a) positioning;(b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d) tactile feedback such asvibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound; (f) optical enhancement;(g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i) interferenceshielding; (j) electrical charging for a device; (k) interaction with amobile device; (l) interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning;(n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermalmanagement; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing the Peltier effect;(t) diffusion of illumination from the display; (u) monitoring; (v)recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F, 11A-11E, 14A-14E,15A-15C, 25A-25D, 27, 30A-30C, 31A-31B, 32, 33 and 34A-34E. According toan exemplary embodiment, operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination fromthe display and (b) input detected by the sensor. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T,17A-17O, 27, 30B and 34C.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS. 24 and27, a method of operating a vehicle interior component comprising acomposite structure to provide a cover with an exterior surface and asensor and a display configured to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems may comprisethe steps of: (a) to activate the user interface for operationcompressing the cover toward the sensor to a distance where input can bedetected by the sensor; and (b) to operate and/or to position the userinterface contacting the exterior surface within a distance where inputcan be detected by the sensor. See also FIGS. 12C, 17A-17O, 26A-26B,28A-28E and 29A-29B and 33. According to an exemplary embodiment, thesensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a)touch or (b) pressure or (c) proximity or (d) movement or (e) gesture.See FIGS. 17A-17O, 27 and 34C. According to an exemplary embodiment, thedisplay may be configured to provide illumination at least partiallyvisible through the exterior surface of the cover. See FIGS. 2B, 17J-17Kand 30A-30B. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cover maycomprise a translucent layer/material. See FIGS. 16A-16T and 17A-17O.According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be configured todetect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exteriorsurface of the cover; as shown schematically, the sensor C may comprisea mesh/grid of a commercially available configuration with elementsshown as conductors WM configured into an array/matrix that can beconnected to a controller/control system. See e.g. FIGS. 21A-21D, 23A,24, 27 and 34A-34E.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.12A-12C and 16A-16T, the translucent surface may comprise atextile/fabric/sheet and/or a fleece and/or a plastic (such as likepolycarbonate PC, polyurethane PUR, polyvinyl chloride PVC, etc. in alayer/cover or film) and/or leather and/or natural fiber; the surfacematerial may be perforated to improve the visibility of theillumination/light from the display. See also FIGS. 2B, 20H and 30A-30C.According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically, thepositioning/functional/foam layer that may provide the spacer E maycomprise a fabric and/or a foam material that is deformable (e.g.fabric, spacer fabric, foam, polyurethane, fiber material, wovenmaterial, etc.); and the spacer may be configured to performelectromagnetic (e.g. EMV) shielding and may be configured toshield/direct light from the display/LED array for the user interface(e.g. directing light from display/LED elements to the surface). Seee.g. FIGS. 2B, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 20G-20H, 30A-30C, 33, 34A-34E.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.20A-20H and 22A-22E, the display may comprise at least one lightemitting diode system; the display system may comprise an array of lightemitting diodes (e.g. such as surface mount LED elements on a flexiblematerial); according to an exemplary embodiment the display system maycomprise an light array such as a conventional flexible LED array/panelsystem or a high resolution OLED array/panel system. See FIGS. 16A-16T(showing light array such as LED/OLED array). See also FIGS. 22A-22E(display/sensor module shown schematically with high resolution LED/OLEDarray) and FIGS. 30A-30C and 34A-34E (LED/OLED array). As indicatedschematically in FIGS. 12D and 34D, the light array/display layer L maycomprise an array of light-emitting diode (LED) elements operable as adisplay to present various images, text, messages, etc. See e.g. FIGS.2A-2C, 3A-3T, 4A-4F, 5A-5F, 6A-6F, 7A-7F, 8A-8E, 9A-9E, 10A-10F,11A-11E, 14A-14E, 30A-30C and 34A-34C. As shown schematically in FIGS.20A-20H and 22A-22E, the array may be sized and configured with aresolution suitable for the application/use (e.g. with smaller LEDelements, with closer-positioned LED elements, with surface-mount LEDelements [e.g. sized 20 to 50 mm or other size] with variedbrightness/color or optical performance, with powerconsumption/efficiency, etc.) as intended or selected for thepurpose/need in the vehicle interior. See e.g. FIGS. 1B, 2A-2C, 3A-3T,15A-15C and 34D. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display L ofthe composite structure 10 presenting the user interface with displayelements 20 may comprise a commercially available configuration (e.g.panel, array, etc.) that can be connected to a controller/control systemfor operation/functionality and interaction with vehicle systems andother systems (e.g. data/network connectivity). See e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B,20A-20H, 23B, 24, 27 and 34D.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS.3A-3T and 8A-8E, in operation of the user interface, the display may beconfigured to selectively emit light in response to a signal from thesensor; the sensor may be configured to receive an input and transmit asignal (e.g. the sensor such as a capacitive touch panel may beconfigured for decreased electrical resistance as pressure may beapplied to the panel). See also FIGS. 23A-23B, 24 and 27. According toan exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 2B, 12A-12E,13A-13D, 16A-16T, 17A-17O, 18A-18D and 21A-21F, the sensor (and otherlayers) of the composite structure may be flexible and may be formedinto various different shapes. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecomposite structure may comprise a functional layer which has at leastpartly a pattern of electrical conductors which are heated by current;thermal textile (e.g. positive temperature coefficient yarn/PTC yarn)may be used to control the heating; the composite structure/system maycomprise at least partly a layer with Peltier elements (e.g. textilePeltier elements) cooled by current; thermal management may beimplemented according to an exemplary embodiment at a functional layer(shown schematically as layer N and/or layer N/HS); the functional layerfor thermal management may comprise an electrically conductivetextile/yarn; a controller may be used to control the heating/cooling ata layer such as shown by thermal management layer HS. See e.g. FIGS.2A-2C, 13A-13D, 16A-16T, 24, 26A-26B, 27, 28A-28E, 29A-29B, 30A-30C, 33and 34A-34E.

According to an exemplary embodiment as shown schematically in FIGS. 2B,12A-12C and 30A-30C, the composite structure may comprise a stack oflayers configured to be mounted on a structure/frame or body for avehicle interior component where the user interface is to be providedfor a vehicle occupant to interact with vehicle systems and othersystems/networks. See also FIGS. 14A-14E, 24 and 27.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in FIGS. 2B and30A-30B, the composite structure may comprise a sensor C configured as acomponent/system to provide the user interface system; as indicatedschematically, the sensor C may comprise a sensor/layer in the form of acapacitive touch panel, which may be calibrated to detect proximity andmotion at or adjacent to the surface of the cover (e.g. to recognizecontact/touch and movements/gestures of the user as input); thecomponent/system may comprise a layer with a pattern (e.g. shownschematically as a formed/printed conductive pattern WM on sensor arrayC in FIG. 23A) configured to detect/sense and located pressure on thesurface of the component/system. See also FIGS. 17A-17O, 21A-21F, 23A,24, 27, 33 and 34A-34E. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecomponent/system may comprise and integrate as a functional layer anactuator which vibrates the surface (e.g. providing haptic feedback fora vehicle occupant interacting with the surface). See e.g. FIGS. 13A-13Dand 16A-16T. As shown schematically according to an exemplaryembodiment, a controller may be further configured to send a controlsignal to at least one of (a) an indicator, (b) a display, (c) a climatecontrol module, (d) an entertainment control module, (e) a securitycontrol module, (f) an engine control unit, (g) a data store, (h) adatabase, (i) a motor, (j) a vehicle seat, (k) a windowregulator/control. See e.g. FIGS. 23A-23B and 24 (showing schematicallya controller or a connection to a computer system to manage control ofthe user interface interactions such as display/lighting, etc. using acontrol program). According to an exemplary embodiment, a method ofusing a vehicle interior component may be characterized by the detectionby the sensor of (a) a pattern of finger tips and/or hand movements onthe surface; (b) and/or gestures of the user or a combination ofmovements and gestures and touches. See FIGS. 17A-17O and 27. See alsoFIGS. 26A-26B, 28A-28E and 29A-29B. According to an exemplary embodimentas shown schematically, the pattern, movements or gestures detected atthe sensor may change the displayed control element or visual appearance(displayed features) and/or make the displayed features moveable bytouch or wipe (repositionable) and/or move the sensitivity of the touchpanel fixed to the displayed features. See e.g. FIGS. 3A-3T, 17A-17O,30A-30C and 34A-34C.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicleinterior component may be configured to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface; thecomposite structure may comprise a cover providing an exterior surfaceand a sensor and a light panel and a positioning layer; the cover maycomprise a layer configured to facilitate the transmission of light fromthe light panel; the sensor may be configured to detect input from thevehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover;the light panel may be configured to provide illumination at leastpartially visible through the exterior surface of the cover; operationof the user interface for the vehicle occupant may comprise at least oneof (a) output from illumination from the light panel and (b) inputdetected by the sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, thepositioning layer may be configured to retain positioning within thecomposite structure for operation of the sensor from input from thevehicle occupant. The positioning layer may comprise a foam layer underthe cover. The positioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) aspacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a foam material;(e) a plastic material; (f) fabric; (g) polyurethane; (h) a wovenmaterial; (i) a spacer material; (j) a fabric material; (k) a fibermaterial; (l) a space. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the composite structure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b)a functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e) thelight panel. The functional layer may comprise a diffuser. According toan exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the cover may comprise atleast one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e)grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h)artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabricsheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a wovenmaterial; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) atranslucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather materialconfigured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a material thatis partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured tofacilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface materialperforated to improve the visibility of light from the display.According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the cover maycomprise a light-transmissive cover comprising at least one of (a) film;(b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material;(f) TPO; (g) a poly material; (h) a poly film; (i) a composite ofmultiple plastic materials; (j) a composite of multiple materials; (k) acomposite of fiber material; (l) natural material; (m) metal; (n) aperforated material; (o) a translucent layer. According to an exemplaryembodiment shown schematically, the functional layer may be configuredfor at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback;(d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such assound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electricalshielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) optical electrical chargingfor a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction witha vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactileshear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r)cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illuminationfrom the display; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x)messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility. According to an exemplaryembodiment shown schematically, the sensor may comprise at least one of(a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel;(f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) acapacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel; (k) a camera.According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the lightpanel may comprise a at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) apanel; (d) a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array;(g) a lighting device array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i) anLED array; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLED array; (l) a flexibleLED matrix; (m) a flexible sheet; (n) a display.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicleinterior component may be configured to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the composite structuremay comprise a cover providing an exterior surface and a light panel anda functional layer; the cover may comprise a light-transmissive layer;the light panel may be configured to provide illumination at leastpartially visible through the exterior surface of the cover. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the functional layer maycomprise a first functional layer and a second functional layer; thefirst functional layer may comprise a functional layer configured fordiffusion of illumination from the display and the second functionallayer may comprise a positioning layer; the positioning layer maycomprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) aspacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam material; (f) a plasticmaterial; (g) a woven material; (h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j)polyurethane; (k) a spacer material. According to an exemplaryembodiment shown schematically, the composite structure may comprise:(a) the cover; (b) the first functional layer; (c) the positioninglayer; (d) the light panel. The composite structure may comprise: (a)the cover; (b) the first functional layer; (c) a sensor; (d) thepositioning layer; (e) the light panel comprising a display.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicleinterior component may be configured to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface. Thecomposite structure may comprise a cover providing an exterior surfaceand a positioning layer and a sensor and a light panel and a functionallayer; the cover may comprise a light-transmissive layer; the sensor maybe configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacentto the exterior surface of the cover; the light panel may be configuredto provide illumination at least partially visible through the exteriorsurface of the cover; operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant may comprise at least one of (a) output from illumination fromthe light panel and (b) input detected by the sensor. The positioninglayer may comprise a foam layer under the cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the cover maycomprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d)leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) naturalfibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k)fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) awoven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) atranslucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather materialconfigured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v) a material thatis partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layer configured tofacilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surface materialperforated to improve the visibility of light from the display; (y)film; (z) resin; (aa) polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc) polyvinylmaterial; (dd) TPO; (ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly film; (gg) acomposite of multiple plastic materials; (ii) a composite of multiplematerials; (jj) a composite of fiber material; (kk) natural material;(ll) metal; (mm) a perforated material; (nn) a translucent layer.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, thepositioning layer may comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) aflexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foammaterial; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) a fibermaterial; (i) fabric; (j) polyurethane; (k) a spacer material; (l) aspace. According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, thesensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover from at least one of (a)touch; (b) pressure; (c) proximity; (d) movement; (e) gesture; (f)positioning; the sensor may comprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) agrid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel;(g) a detector; (h) a proximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel;(j) a pressure sensitive panel; (k) a camera; the sensor may beconfigured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at or adjacent tothe exterior surface of the cover; and operation of the user interfacefor the vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment, a method ofoperating a vehicle interior component comprising a composite structurecomprising a cover with an exterior surface and at least one functionallayer and providing a sensor and a display configured to provide a userinterface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle with vehicle systems maycomprise the steps of: pressing the cover toward the sensor to adistance where input can be detected by the sensor and contacting theexterior surface within a distance where input can be detected by thesensor. The step of pressing the cover toward the sensor may comprisecompressing the cover toward the sensor to a first threshold distancewhere input can be detected by the sensor to actuate the user interface;and the step of contacting the exterior surface may comprise contactwithin a second threshold distance where input can be detected by thesensor to operate and/or to position the user interface. The step ofcontacting the exterior surface within the second threshold distancedoes not require deformation of the composite structure. The step ofpressing the cover toward the sensor may comprise deforming thecomposite structure at least partially. The method may further comprisethe step of (c) movement at or adjacent the exterior surface detected asinput by the sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the displaymay be configured to display at least one of (a) data; (b) information;(c) vehicle system information; (d) an input panel; (e) a menu system;(f) an output panel; (g) an image; (h) lighting. According to anexemplary embodiment shown schematically, the positioning layer maycomprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) aspacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam material; (f) a plasticmaterial; (g) a woven material; (h) a fiber material; (i) fabric; (j)polyurethane; (k) a spacer material. According to an exemplaryembodiment shown schematically, the cover may comprise at least one of(a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface;(f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather;(i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholsteredmaterial; (m) a fleece material; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-wovenmaterial; (p) a sheet material; (q) a perforated material; (r) acomposite of multiple fiber materials; (s) a translucent material; (t) aresilient material; (u) a leather material configured to facilitate thetransmission of light; (v) a material that is partially transparent andpartially opaque; (w) a layer configured to facilitate transmission ofvisible light; (x) a surface material perforated to improve thevisibility of light from the display; (y) film; (z) resin; (aa)polycarbonate; (bb) polyurethane; (cc) polyvinyl material; (dd) TPO;(ee) a poly material; (ff) a poly film; (gg) a composite of multipleplastic materials; (ii) a composite of multiple materials; (jj) acomposite of fiber material; (kk) natural material; (ll) metal; (mm) aperforated material; (nn) a translucent layer.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the userinterface may be configured so that input from the vehicle occupant atthe exterior surface of the cover is detected by the sensor. The userinterface may be configured so that output from the display is presentedat least partially through the exterior surface of the cover. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the composite structuremay be configured in a contoured shape; the composite structure maycomprise a substrate. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the composite structure may be configured to be coupledto at least one of (a) a trim component; (b) a panel; (c) a door panel;(d) an instrument panel; (e) a surface; (f) a console; (g) a base.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the controlsystem may be configured to connect to vehicle systems; the controlsystem may be configured to facilitate operation by the vehicle occupantfor at least one of (a) sending a signal to a control module, (b)controlling a motor, (c) providing a signal to a vehicle component, (d)providing electrical power to a vehicle component, (e) providing atleast one of (1) visible feedback, (2) audible feedback, (3) tactilefeedback, (4) haptic feedback to the vehicle occupant.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the userinterface may be configured for interaction with a vehicle occupant byat least one of (a) touch at the exterior surface of the cover detectedby the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent to the exterior surface of thecover detected by the sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the compositestructure may comprise a composite surface; and the cover may comprisean at least partially translucent cover; illumination from the displayat the exterior surface of the composite structure may comprise visiblelight transmitted through the functional layer and through the at leastpartially translucent cover. The composite structure may comprise: (a)the cover; (b) the functional layer; (c) the sensor; (d) a positioninglayer; (e) the display; (f) a substrate; the functional layer maycomprise a diffuser and the positioning layer may comprise at least oneof (a) a foam material; (b) a spacer fabric. The composite structure maycomprise a foam layer under the cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the userinterface may comprise a display element from illumination from thedisplay that is configured to be selectively positioned on the exteriorsurface of the cover; and the display element of the user interface maycomprise at least one of (a) an icon; (b) a symbol; (c) a buttonindicator; (d) a menu system; (e) a display panel image; (f) aninformation display image; (g) a graphics display image; (h) a controlpanel; (i) an input panel; (j) a touch screen; (k) a repositionableimage; (l) a projected image; (m) an image element selectivelypositionable on the exterior surface of the cover by interaction withthe vehicle occupant. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the display element of the user interface may beconfigured to be positioned on the exterior surface of the cover (a)contacting of the exterior surface of the cover at a position where thedisplay element is to be displayed when the display element is notdisplayed; (b) contacting the exterior surface of the cover where thedisplay element is displayed and dragging the display element along theexterior surface of the cover to a position where the display element isto be displayed. According to an exemplary embodiment shownschematically, the user interface may be configured (a) to be activatedfor operation by compressing the cover toward the sensor and (b) to beoperated by contacting the exterior surface within a distance whereinput can be detected by the sensor and (c) to be operated by movementdirected by the vehicle occupant above the exterior surface of the coverwithin a distance where input can be detected by the sensor.

As shown schematically according to an exemplary embodiment, a vehicleinterior component may be configured to provide a user interface for avehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising vehicle systems comprising acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the compositestructure may a cover providing an exterior surface, a sensor, adisplay, a functional layer and a positioning layer. The cover maycomprise a layer configured to facilitate the transmission of light. Thesensor may be configured to detect input from the vehicle occupant at oradjacent to the exterior surface of the cover. The display may beconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; operation of the user interface forthe vehicle occupant may comprise at least one of (a) output fromillumination from the display and (b) input detected by the sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the compositestructure may comprise: (a) the cover; (b) the functional layer; (c) thesensor; (d) the positioning layer; (e) the display; (f) a substrate. Thefunctional layer may comprise a diffuser and the positioning layer maycomprise at least one of (a) a foam material and/or (b) a spacer fabric.The cover may comprise at least one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c)fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e) grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric;(g) natural fibers; (h) artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) syntheticfibers; (k) fabric sheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleecematerial; (n) a woven material; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheetmaterial; (q) a perforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fibermaterials; (s) a translucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) aleather material configured to facilitate the transmission of light; (v)a material that may comprise partially transparent and partially opaque;(w) a layer configured to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x)a surface material perforated to improve the visibility of light fromthe display. The cover may comprise a light-transmissive covercomprising at least one of (a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d)polyurethane; (e) polyvinyl material; (f) TPO; (g) a poly material; (h)a poly film; (i) a composite of multiple plastic materials; (j) acomposite of multiple materials; (k) a composite of fiber material; (l)natural material; (m) metal; (n) a perforated material; (o) atranslucent layer. The functional layer may be configured for at leastone of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) haptic feedback; (d) tactilefeedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedback such as sound; (f)optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h) electrical shielding; (i)interference shielding; (j) optical electrical charging for a device;(k) interaction with a mobile device; (l) interaction with a vehiclesystem; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion or bonding; (o) tactile shear/feelperformance; (p) thermal management; (q) heating; (r) cooling; (s)providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion of illumination from thedisplay; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w) alerting; (x) messaging; (y)light guiding; (z) flexibility. The positioning layer may be configuredto retain positioning within the composite structure for operation ofthe sensor from input from the vehicle occupant; the positioning layermay comprise at least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) aspacer fabric; (d) a foam material; (e) a plastic material; (f) fabric;(g) polyurethane; (h) a woven material; (i) a spacer material; (j) afabric material; (k) a fiber material.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the userinterface may be configured so that input from the vehicle occupant atthe exterior surface of the cover may be detected by the sensor. Theuser interface may be configured so that output from the display may bepresented at least partially through the exterior surface of the cover.

According to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically, the compositestructure may be configured in a contoured shape. The compositestructure may comprise a substrate. The composite structure may beconfigured to be coupled to at least one of (a) a trim component; (b) apanel; (c) a door panel; (d) an instrument panel; (e) a surface; (f) aconsole; (g) a base. A control system may be configured to connect tovehicle systems; the control system may be configured to facilitateoperation by the vehicle occupant for at least one of (a) sending asignal to a control module, (b) controlling a motor, (c) providing asignal to a vehicle component, (d) providing electrical power to avehicle component, (e) providing at least one of (1) visible feedback,(2) audible feedback, (3) tactile feedback, (4) haptic feedback to thevehicle occupant. The user interface may be configured for interactionwith a vehicle occupant by at least one of (a) touch at the exteriorsurface of the cover detected by the sensor or (b) gesture adjacent tothe exterior surface of the cover detected by the sensor. The sensor maycomprise at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) apanel; (e) a touch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) aproximity detector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressuresensitive panel. The display may comprise at least one of (a) an array;(b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) a display screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f)a lighting array; (g) a lighting device array; (h) a light-emittingdevice array; (i) an LED array; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLEDarray; (l) a flexible LED matrix; (m) a flexible sheet. The compositestructure may comprise a composite surface; and the cover may comprisean at least partially translucent cover; illumination from the displayat the exterior surface of the composite structure may comprise visiblelight transmitted through the functional layer and through the at leastpartially translucent cover.

It is important to note that the present inventions (e.g. inventiveconcepts, etc.) have been described in the specification and/orillustrated in the FIGURES of the present patent document according toexemplary embodiments; the embodiments of the present inventions arepresented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation onthe scope of the present inventions. The construction and/or arrangementof the elements of the inventive concepts embodied in the presentinventions as described in the specification and/or illustrated in theFIGURES is illustrative only. Although exemplary embodiments of thepresent inventions have been described in detail in the present patentdocument, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciatethat equivalents, modifications, variations, etc. of the subject matterof the exemplary embodiments and alternative embodiments are possibleand contemplated as being within the scope of the present inventions;all such subject matter (e.g. modifications, variations, embodiments,combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be included within thescope of the present inventions. It should also be noted thatvarious/other modifications, variations, substitutions, equivalents,changes, omissions, etc. may be made in the configuration and/orarrangement of the exemplary embodiments (e.g. in concept, design,structure, apparatus, form, assembly, construction, means, function,system, process/method, steps, sequence of process/method steps,operation, operating conditions, performance, materials, composition,combination, etc.) without departing from the scope of the presentinventions; all such subject matter (e.g. modifications, variations,embodiments, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is intended to be includedwithin the scope of the present inventions. The scope of the presentinventions is not intended to be limited to the subject matter (e.g.details, structure, functions, materials, acts, steps, sequence, system,result, etc.) described in the specification and/or illustrated in theFIGURES of the present patent document. It is contemplated that theclaims of the present patent document will be construed properly tocover the complete scope of the subject matter of the present inventions(e.g. including any and all such modifications, variations, embodiments,combinations, equivalents, etc.); it is to be understood that theterminology used in the present patent document is for the purpose ofproviding a description of the subject matter of the exemplaryembodiments rather than as a limitation on the scope of the presentinventions.

It is also important to note that according to exemplary embodiments thepresent inventions may comprise conventional technology (e.g. asimplemented and/or integrated in exemplary embodiments, modifications,variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) or may comprise any otherapplicable technology (present and/or future) with suitability and/orcapability to perform the functions and processes/operations describedin the specification and/or illustrated in the FIGURES. All suchtechnology (e.g. as implemented in embodiments, modifications,variations, combinations, equivalents, etc.) is considered to be withinthe scope of the present inventions of the present patent document.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trim panel for a vehicle interior configured toprovide a user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprisingvehicle systems comprising: a composite structure configured to providethe user interface comprising: (a) a cover providing an exteriorsurface; (b) a light panel; (c) a functional layer; and (d) apositioning layer separate from the functional layer; wherein the covercomprises a light-transmissive layer; wherein the light panel isconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; wherein the functional layer isconfigured for at least one of (a) optical enhancement; (b) electricalcharging for a device; (c) interaction with a mobile device; (d)interaction with a vehicle system; (e) interaction with the vehicleoccupant; (f) monitoring; (g) alerting; (h) messaging; (i) lightguiding; wherein the user interface is configured to facilitateinteraction with the vehicle occupant; so that operation of the userinterface for the vehicle occupant comprises output from illuminationfrom the light panel through the functional layer and through thelight-transmissive layer of the cover to the exterior surface of thecover.
 2. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the positioning layercomprises a deformable spacer.
 3. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein thepositioning layer comprises a foam layer under the cover.
 4. The trimpanel of claim 1 wherein the functional layer comprises a lightdiffuser.
 5. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises atleast one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) fiber mesh; (d) leather; (e)grain surface; (f) synthetic fiber fabric; (g) natural fibers; (h)artificial leather; (i) polyester; (j) synthetic fibers; (k) fabricsheet; (l) upholstered material; (m) a fleece material; (n) a wovenmaterial; (o) a non-woven material; (p) a sheet material; (q) aperforated material; (r) a composite of multiple fiber materials; (s) atranslucent material; (t) a resilient material; (u) a leather materialconfigured to facilitate the transmission of visible light; (v) amaterial that is partially transparent and partially opaque; (w) a layerconfigured to facilitate transmission of visible light; (x) a surfacematerial perforated to improve the visibility of light from a display.6. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises at least one of(a) film; (b) resin; (c) polycarbonate; (d) polyurethane; (e) polyvinylmaterial; (f) TPO; (g) a plastic material; (h) a plastic film; (i) acomposite of multiple plastic materials; (j) a composite of multiplematerials; (k) a composite of fiber material; (l) natural material; (m)metal; (n) a perforated material; (o) a translucent layer.
 7. The trimpanel of claim 1 further comprising a sensor configured to detect inputfrom the vehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of thecover.
 8. The trim panel of claim 7 wherein the sensor comprises atleast one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a foil; (d) a panel; (e) atouch panel; (f) a flexible panel; (g) a detector; (h) a proximitydetector; (i) a capacitive touch panel; (j) a pressure sensitive panel;(k) a camera.
 9. The trim panel of claim 1 wherein the light panelcomprises at least one of (a) an array; (b) a grid; (c) a panel; (d) adisplay screen; (e) a flexible panel; (f) a lighting array; (g) alighting device array; (h) a light-emitting device array; (i) an LEDarray; (j) a flexible LED array; (k) an OLED array; (l) a flexible LEDmatrix; (m) a flexible sheet; (n) a display.
 10. The trim panel of claim1 wherein the composite structure comprises a first cover segment and asecond cover segment; wherein the first cover segment comprises a fabricand the second cover segment comprises a plastic.
 11. A trim panel for avehicle interior configured to provide a user interface for a vehicleoccupant in a vehicle comprising: a composite structure configured toprovide the user interface comprising: (a) a cover providing an exteriorsurface; (b) a light panel; and (c) a functional layer; wherein thecover comprises a light-transmissive layer; wherein the light panel isconfigured to provide illumination at least partially visible throughthe exterior surface of the cover; wherein the functional layer isconfigured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c)cushioning; (d) tactile shear/feel performance; (e) diffusion ofillumination from the light panel; wherein the user interface isconfigured to facilitate interaction with the vehicle occupant; so thatoperation of the user interface for the vehicle occupant comprisesoutput from illumination from the light panel through the functionallayer and through the light-transmissive layer of the cover to theexterior surface of the cover.
 12. The trim panel of claim 11 whereinthe functional layer comprises a first functional layer and a secondfunctional layer.
 13. The trim panel of claim 12 wherein the firstfunctional layer comprises a functional layer configured for diffusionof illumination from the light panel and the second functional layercomprises a positioning layer.
 14. The trim panel of claim 11 furthercomprising a positioning layer comprising at least one of (a) a spacer;(b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacer fabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) afoam material; (f) a plastic material; (g) a woven material; (h) fabric;(i) polyurethane; (j) a spacer material; (k) a deformable spacer; (l) adeformable spacer material; (m) a material configured to provide hapticfeedback.
 15. A trim panel for a vehicle interior configured to providea user interface for a vehicle occupant in a vehicle comprising: acomposite structure configured to provide the user interface comprising:(a) a cover providing an exterior surface; (b) a light panel; (c) afunctional layer; and (d) a positioning layer; wherein the covercomprises a light-transmissive layer; wherein the cover comprises atleast one of (a) textile; (b) fabric; (c) leather; (d) artificialleather; (e) a woven material; (f) a non-woven material; wherein thelight panel is configured to provide illumination at least partiallyvisible through the exterior surface of the cover; wherein the userinterface is configured to facilitate interaction with the vehicleoccupant; so that operation of the user interface for the vehicleoccupant comprises output from illumination from the light panel throughthe functional layer and through the light-transmissive layer of thecover to the exterior surface of the cover.
 16. The trim panel of claim15 wherein the cover comprises at least one of (a) a translucentmaterial; (b) a material that is partially light-transmissive andpartially opaque; (c) a layer configured to facilitate transmission ofvisible light; (d) a perforated material.
 17. The trim panel of claim 15wherein the positioning layer comprises a foam layer under the cover.18. The trim panel of claim 15 wherein the positioning layer comprisesat least one of (a) a spacer; (b) a flexible spacer; (c) a spacerfabric; (d) a fabric material; (e) a foam material; (f) a plasticmaterial; (g) a woven material; (h) fabric; (i) polyurethane; (j) aspacer material; (k) a deformable spacer; (l) a deformable spacermaterial.
 19. The trim panel of claim 15 further comprising a sensor sothat operation of the user interface further comprises input from thevehicle occupant at or adjacent to the exterior surface of the cover.20. The trim panel of claim 15 wherein the functional layer isconfigured for at least one of (a) positioning; (b) spacing; (c) hapticfeedback; (d) tactile feedback such as vibration; (e) audible feedbacksuch as sound; (f) optical enhancement; (g) light shielding; (h)electrical shielding; (i) interference shielding; (j) electricalcharging for a device; (k) interaction with a mobile device; (l)interaction with a vehicle system; (m) cushioning; (n) adhesion orbonding; (o) tactile shear/feel performance; (p) thermal management; (q)heating; (r) cooling; (s) providing Peltier effect; (t) diffusion ofillumination from the light panel; (u) monitoring; (v) recording; (w)alerting; (x) messaging; (y) light guiding; (z) flexibility.